What is the significance of Permanently Shadowed Regions (PSRs) found near the SPA Basin, such as in Shackleton Crater?

Answer

These areas are thought to contain deposits of water ice, making the southern region a target for future crewed missions

The region surrounding the South Pole-Aitken Basin (SPA), particularly the lunar south pole, carries significant strategic importance for future space exploration due to the presence of Permanently Shadowed Regions (PSRs). Craters like Shackleton contain these areas where sunlight has never reached the floor. The critical importance of these PSRs lies in the scientific expectation that they harbor deposits of water ice, trapped over eons. The potential presence of accessible water ice makes the entire southern lunar region, including areas adjacent to the SPA Basin, a high-priority target for planning future crewed landings and establishing long-term lunar habitation bases.

What is the significance of Permanently Shadowed Regions (PSRs) found near the SPA Basin, such as in Shackleton Crater?

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