NASA's Lunar Trailblazer prepares to launch for Moon water exploration

NASA's Lunar Trailblazer mission is set to launch next year to explore the Moon's water sources. Built by Lockheed Martin, the satellite will locate and measure water on the lunar surface, focusing on areas where water has been theorized but not observed. The mission includes two instruments: the High-resolution Volatiles and Minerals Moon Mapper, which detects water in various states, and the Lunar Thermal Mapper, which assesses thermal properties and minerals. Together, they will map surface water and ice on the Moon. Lunar Trailblazer is in its final preparation stages and will launch alongside Intuitive Machines-2. The mission aims to support future lunar exploration by identifying accessible ice deposits, which could be used for resources like oxygen and rocket fuel.