A private company is preparing to launch one of the most ambitious commercial space projects to date—**extracting helium-3 from the Moon** to fuel next-generation nuclear fusion and quantum computing technologies. This rare isotope, largely absent on Earth, could play a critical role in future energy solutions. However, the initiative raises complex questions regarding **feasibility, legality, and the long-term implications** of lunar resource extraction.
With private space ventures gaining momentum, **Interlune**, a startup founded by a former **Blue Origin** engineer and an **Apollo 17 astronaut**, is positioning itself at the forefront of lunar mining. Following the successful landing of **Firefly Aerospace’s [Blue Ghost](https://curiosmos.com/?s=Blue+Ghost) mission** on March 16, the landscape of private lunar exploration is evolving rapidly.
Interlune plans to launch **Prospect Moon**, a mission scheduled for **no earlier than 2027**, which will assess the potential of mining helium-3 directly from the Moon’s surface. If the results confirm commercially viable deposits, the company aims to establish large-scale operations, paving the way for a new era of lunar resource utilization.
### **Why Helium-3?**
Helium-3 is a **non-radioactive isotope** with unique properties that make it highly valuable for several cutting-edge applications:
* **Nuclear Fusion:** Considered a potential fuel for **fusion reactors**, helium-3 could enable cleaner energy production without the radioactive waste associated with traditional nuclear fission.
* **Quantum Computing:** The isotope’s ability to reach extremely low temperatures makes it essential for **superconducting quantum computers** and other advanced technologies.
* **Medical and Scientific Research:** Helium-3 plays a role in **particle physics experiments, cryogenics, and medical imaging techniques**.
Unlike **helium-4**, which is abundant on Earth, helium-3 exists in trace amounts, with a **natural ratio of just 1:1,000,000** compared to helium-4. The Moon, however, has been exposed to **solar wind for billions of years**, allowing helium-3 to accumulate in its **regolith**—the layer of loose soil and dust covering the lunar surface. [Some estimates suggest](https://www.hou.usra.edu/meetings/lpsc2025/pdf/1185.pdf) that a single **kilogram of helium-3 could be worth up to $20 million**, making lunar mining an attractive prospect.
### **Challenges and Unresolved Questions**
Despite the potential advantages, several challenges remain:
* **Resource Uncertainty:** While Apollo missions brought back lunar samples containing helium-3, the actual **concentration and distribution remain unclear**. Whether deposits are large enough to support mining at a commercial scale is still unknown.
* **Legal and Regulatory Barriers:** Under the **1967 Outer Space Treaty**, no country can claim sovereignty over the Moon. This raises critical **legal questions about ownership, territorial rights, and international cooperation** in extraterrestrial mining.
* **Environmental and Cultural Considerations:** While some argue that the **absence of life** on the Moon eliminates environmental concerns, others emphasize its **scientific and cultural significance**, cautioning against large-scale disruptions to its landscape.
Speaking to **New Scientist**, Clive Neal, an **unpaid scientific consultant** for Interlune, dismissed environmental concerns, stating:
> There’s no life on there, so why do we need to preserve the environment?
However, he acknowledged the importance of global discussions on the Moon’s **cultural and historical value**, emphasizing that multiple perspectives must be considered before significant modifications are made to the lunar surface.
Interlune has secured **private investment** and received a **$375,000 grant from the U.S. Department of Energy** to support its research efforts. If the **Prospect Moon** mission proves successful, the company could pave the way for commercial lunar mining within the next decade.
However, **global policy discussions, scientific research, and technological advancements** will determine whether helium-3 extraction can truly become a **sustainable and economically viable** industry. As private companies push further into space, the debate over how humanity should utilize **extraterrestrial resources** is only just beginning.