Startup plans to extract helium-3 from the Moon in an ambitious mining mission.

In an attempt to move towards the exploitation of extraterrestrial resources, An American startup has announced plans to mine on the Moon.. It is Intermoon, a company that intends to extract Helium-3, an isotope rare on Earth, but abundant on the lunar surface due to the impact of the solar wind over millions of years.

This item has aroused the interest of the scientific community and the technology sector, as it could play a key role in applications such as quantum computing and, in the future, in the development of viable nuclear fusion reactors. The exploitation of these resources could mark the beginning of a new era in space mining and lay the foundations for an interplanetary economy.

A project led by industry experts

Interlune was founded in 2020 by Rob Meyerson and Gary Lai, who previously worked at Blue Origin, Jeff Bezos's aerospace company. They Harrison Schmitt joined, former astronaut of the Apollo 17 mission and the only geologist to have walked on the Moon. This expert team is well positioned to address technical challenges.

The company has managed to raise 18 million dollars in private investments and recently obtained a grant from the United States Department of Energy worth $375.000This financial support strengthens the project's viability, although technical and regulatory challenges remain.

The Moon as a source of helium-3

Helium-3 is practically non-existent on Earth, with an estimated price of 20 million dollars per kilogramHowever, the absence of a magnetic field on the Moon has allowed its surface to accumulate large quantities of this isotope, trapped in the lunar regolith.

To extract it, Interlune plans to carry out its first exploration mission called “Prospect Moon” in 2027. This initiative will be supported by the program NASA CLPS (Commercial Lunar Payload Services) and will feature a system designed to sample and process lunar regolith. The device will identify areas with the highest concentrations of helium-3, facilitating future larger-scale extraction missions.

As these projects progress, Many are wondering about what type of technology will be needed and the environmental impact that this extraction may generate..

Lunar mining: a field to explore with many challenges ahead

Although the economic and scientific prospects for this project are promising, Interlune faces multiple challenges. First, The extraction of helium-3 on the Moon is unprecedented, which requires developing technology capable of operating in extreme conditions. Space missions must consider their long-term impact, as well as the potential demand for related resources.

Furthermore, There are unresolved legal issuesIn 2015, the United States passed a law allowing private companies to claim resources from celestial bodies, though not sovereignty over the territory. However, This regulation could generate international tensions in the futureIt is essential that the global community work together to establish clear regulations on space mining.

Another point of debate is the environmental impact of these operationsScientists and space exploration experts have expressed concern about the alteration of the lunar environmentClive Neal, a consultant for Interlune, has questioned the need to preserve the lunar environment, sparking discussions about the effects of extraterrestrial mining. An environmentally conscious approach could prevent future problems and benefit everyone involved.

Beyond helium-3, interest in lunar mineral exploration includes the possibility of using its water resources to facilitate long-duration space missions. The presence of water on the satellite could be key to the creation of permanent settlements., reducing the need to transport supplies from Earth. Over time, These technologies could be developed in alternatives such as the creation of settlements on other celestial bodies..

If Interlune successfully carries out its mission, will mark the first step in the creation of a space mining industryExploiting resources beyond our planet could not only drive unprecedented technological advances, but also lay the groundwork for new commercial initiatives that transform the way humanity accesses essential raw materials.