Investigation of simulation and mechanical characterization of water-bearing lunar polar regolith

It is of great significance for human to find the direct evidence of water existing on the Moon and understand the Moon better. China plans to launch the Chang?e-7 in 2026 to carry out unmanned sampling and in-situ analysis in the Lunar south pole. In order to ensure the success of the mission, it is necessary to carry out sampling simulation experiments adequately on the ground. However, the simulation of water-bearing lunar regolith is the basis for the experiment. In this paper, the simulation and preparation process of water-bearing lunar regolith are studied in terms of the physical and mechanical properties. The uniformity of water distribu?tion and low temperature water migration characteristics of water-bearing lunar regolith is analyzed. On the basis, the mechanical properties of the water-bearing lunar regolith are tested. The mechanical properties such as compressive strength, tensile strength and shear strength of the water-bearing lunar regolith are obtained, which provide support for the polar sampling tests.