Science TechnologyThursday, 28 May 2026·The Hindu - Science
Chandrayaan-2 DFSAR finds possible subsurface ice near Moon’s south pole
Scientists reported possible subsurface ice near the Moon’s south pole using Chandrayaan-2’s DFSAR payload.
Key highlights
Direct fact
In May 2026, scientists using Chandrayaan-2’s Dual Frequency Synthetic Aperture Radar (DFSAR) payload reported possible subsurface ice near the Moon’s south pole, adding to India’s lunar science data set.
Key specifics
- Chandrayaan-2 is India’s lunar mission, and DFSAR is its Dual Frequency Synthetic Aperture Radar payload.
- The finding concerns the Moon’s south pole, a region of high scientific interest for water-ice studies.
- The report was published in May 2026, making it a current science-and-technology development.
- “Subsurface ice” refers to ice below the lunar surface, a key term in planetary exploration.
- The observation was based on radar data, not on direct surface sampling.
Exam lens
Question type: science fact match-the-following, mission-payload-location, and concept-based MCQs; remember Chandrayaan-2, DFSAR, Moon’s south pole, and subsurface ice as the core TNPSC one-liner.