The Biggest Space Resource Hunt in Human History Has Begun
The Moon has been bombarded with particles from the Sun for billions of years. Helium-3, a rare isotope found on Earth, accumulated on its surface during this period, gaining significant importance. This resource, which has become particularly critical for quantum computers, signals that humanity could usher in a new era in space. Now, Seattle-based Interlune has taken its biggest commercial step yet with the goal of extracting helium-3 from the Moon.
Interlune and Bluefors Sign Historic Helium-3 Agreement
Interlune is attracting attention as a venture aiming to extract and sell helium-3 from the lunar surface. The company’s newly announced agreement is with Bluefors, a manufacturer of cooling systems for quantum computers. Under this partnership, which will run from 2028 to 2037, Bluefors will purchase up to 10,000 liters of helium-3 annually. Currently trading at approximately $2,500 per liter, the substance makes the agreement the largest space resource sale to date.
This development could have revolutionary implications not only for the quantum computing industry but also for areas such as national security, medicine, and fusion energy. Interlune CEO Rob Meyerson emphasized the critical importance of the agreement for the future of quantum technologies, stating that it will open new doors to scientific and medical discoveries.
Interlune’s founders include former Blue Origin executive and Apollo 17 astronaut Harrison Schmitt. Schmitt has been a long-time advocate for exploiting the Moon’s helium-3 reserves. The company has raised more than $18 million in funding to date and has announced plans to launch a demonstration mission in 2027 and a pilot plant in 2029. While these goals are exciting, the technological and financial challenges of lunar mining remain significant obstacles.
While the agreement has generated significant buzz, some experts believe the amount of helium-3 on the Moon has been exaggerated. While samples returned from the Apollo missions contain higher concentrations of helium-3 than those on Earth, even these levels are quite low. Therefore, it remains uncertain whether the amount to be mined will be sufficient for industrial scale.
Today, lunar helium-3 appears more like a promise. However, the agreement Interlune signed with Bluefors could mark the beginning of a brand new era in space mining. This resource is critical for providing the ultra-low temperatures required for quantum computers. If the plans are successfully implemented, the largest space resource hunt in human history will truly begin.
Read More: Joke But True: Shrek Joins Sonic Racing
