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US start-up seeks miners in race for $20 quadrillion moon resource
New York Post • • science
Key Points:
- Interlune, a Seattle-based moon mining startup, aims to begin experimental lunar mining by 2028 to extract helium-3, a highly valuable isotope estimated to be worth $20 quadrillion on the moon.
- Helium-3 is rare on Earth but abundant on the moon’s surface due to the lack of atmosphere and magnetic field, making it potentially revolutionary for quantum computing and low-radioactivity nuclear fusion reactors.
- The mining process involves robotic extraction and deep cryogenic distillation to separate helium-3 from lunar soil, with Interlune already demonstrating 99% pure helium-3 extraction from Earth-based helium samples.
- Interlune is seeking collaboration with Australia’s mining sector and space agencies to leverage expertise in both mining and space exploration, highlighting Australia’s strategic role in the project.
- While China is also investing heavily in helium-3 extraction technology, Interlune and officials emphasize peaceful cooperation in space, minimizing concerns about conflict despite geopolitical competition.
