Interlune Aims for 2027 Moon Mission to Mine Helium-3

Interlune, a Seattle-based startup established in 2020 by former Blue Origin technologists, is planning a mission to the Moon in 2027. The company's "Prospect Moon" mission aims to assess the feasibility of large-scale helium-3 mining. Helium-3, a rare isotope on Earth, is potentially abundant on the Moon and valuable for quantum computing and nuclear fusion. Interlune has secured funding from private investors and government grants to support its goals.

Helium-3: A Lunar Resource for Future Technologies

Helium-3 is believed to be deposited on the lunar surface by solar wind and trapped in the regolith, the Moon's upper soil layers. Interlune's mission will use a lunar lander to collect and analyze regolith samples, employing tools to scoop up lunar soil, process helium-3, and analyze the soil composition. The company received a $375,000 grant from the U.S. Department of Energy in 2024 to develop technology for separating helium-3. Interlune hopes to become the first company to establish lunar mining operations, with plans for a pilot plant on the moon by 2029.

Potential Applications and Ethical Considerations of Lunar Mining

Helium-3 has potential applications in quantum computing, clean energy production through nuclear fusion, medical imaging, and neutron detection. Interlune CEO Rob Meyerson stated that quantum computing is the key demand generator for the company. The prospect of lunar mining raises questions about ownership, environmental impact, and the cultural and spiritual significance of the Moon. Discussions are needed to address the ethical considerations of lunar resource extraction as humanity ventures into this new frontier.