A team of scientists from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) and the University of Hawaii have discovered how water is regenerated on asteroids. The team, led by MIT professor of earth, atmospheric and planetary sciences, Maria Zuber, found that when asteroids collide with each other, the heat generated by the impact can cause water ice on the asteroids to melt and vaporize. This vapor then condenses into liquid water, which can then be transported to the surface of the asteroids.

The team used a computer model to simulate the process of water regeneration on asteroids. The model showed that the amount of water regenerated depends on the size of the asteroids and the velocity of the impact. Larger asteroids and higher-velocity impacts produced more water.

The team also found that the water regenerated on asteroids could be a potential source of water for future human missions to Mars. Mars is known to have water ice on its surface, but it is not clear how much water is available and how easily it can be accessed. If astronauts can find a way to access the water regenerated on asteroids, it could provide a valuable resource for future missions.

The team's findings are published in the journal Nature Astronomy. The research was supported by the NASA Solar System Exploration Research Virtual Institute.