Seattle Company Interlune Explores Lunar Helium-3 Mining Feasibility

Lunar Helium-3 Deposits

The Sun produces helium-3, an isotope that escapes as part of the solar wind. This solar wind has continuously bombarded the Moon's surface for billions of years. Due to the Moon's lack of a magnetic field or atmosphere, helium-3 ions penetrate the lunar soil, or regolith. Meteorite impacts churn the soil, mixing helium-3 deeper below the surface.

Concentration and Potential Uses

Concentrations of helium-3 on the Moon are estimated at 10 to 20 parts per billion in some titanium-rich soils, which are significantly higher than on Earth. Scientists and engineers, including Apollo 17 astronaut Harrison 'Jack' Schmitt, have long been interested in lunar helium-3. Its long-term potential lies in providing energy through fusion reactions. Near-term applications include cooling materials to ultra-low temperatures, medical research, and neutron detection. This makes helium-3 one of the few lunar materials that could be profitably mined and returned to Earth.

Interlune's Exploration

Several companies, including Seattle-based Interlune, are interested in the prospect of mining helium-3 from the Moon. Before deploying full-scale extraction equipment, these companies need to determine the physical practicality of sifting through regolith and collecting helium-3. This initial assessment is crucial for understanding the viability of lunar helium-3 mining operations.