What is Helium-3 and could we get it from the moon?
Summary
Helium-3 is a rare and expensive gas used in advanced physics experiments, quantum computing, and potentially clean nuclear fusion energy. Currently, it mainly comes from nuclear weapons but researchers and companies are exploring ways to mine it from the moon, where samples suggest it exists in higher amounts.Key Facts
- Helium-3 costs about $2,000 per liter and is stored in special containers at Lancaster University.
- The gas is produced mainly from the decay of tritium inside nuclear weapons.
- Demand for helium-3 could rise, exceeding current supply from nuclear sources.
- Moon dust collected by Apollo missions contains helium-3 at higher levels than on Earth.
- Helium-3 is used to create extremely low temperatures needed for quantum computing.
- It could be a fuel for future nuclear fusion reactors that produce clean energy.
- Interlune, a Seattle-based company, plans to mine helium-3 on the moon using robotic machines.
- Interlune aims to start lunar mining missions by 2027, with equipment tested in zero-gravity flights.
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