Interlune Plans to Begin Helium-3 Mining on the Moon by 2029
Helium-3 Lunar Mining is poised to become a groundbreaking endeavor, unlocking the Moon’s potential as a source of clean energy and technological innovation.
A Lunar Treasure with Limitless Potential
Helium-3, a rare isotope with immense potential as fuel for nuclear fusion reactors, was first discovered in lunar soil samples brought back to Earth decades ago. While mining this resource poses significant engineering challenges, several private companies are determined to succeed. The latest entrant is Interlune, a U.S.-based startup founded by former Blue Origin employees.
According to the U.S. Geological Society, large-scale extraction of helium-3 will require processing millions of tons of lunar soil (regolith), akin to the scale of operating a copper mine on Earth. Despite the daunting task, Interlune’s CEO, Rob Meyerson, recently revealed that the company plans to deploy its first regolith-processing machine on the Moon by 2029.
Meyerson explains that over billions of years, helium-3 accumulated on the Moon’s surface, bombarded by solar winds. Meteoroid impacts mixed the regolith, dispersing helium-3 to depths of up to three meters. The current market value of helium-3—approximately $20 million per kilogram—is driven by its application in quantum computing, where it cools equipment to near absolute zero. With its future potential as a clean energy source for fusion reactors, demand and prices are expected to soar.
Interlune’s Vision: From Research to Mining Operations
Interlune projects annual production and delivery of up to three kilograms of helium-3, which would ensure the company’s profitability. Meyerson believes the timing is critical. “Demand is rising, and all quantum computing companies we’ve spoken with understand the growing need. This demand will take shape in the next 3–7 years, making now the perfect time to act,” he said.
Before operations begin, Interlune plans a 2027 research expedition to determine precise helium-3 concentrations and identify optimal mining locations. The company has also patented a compact regolith-processing machine, designed to work with the Starship-class heavy-lift spacecraft. This machine can penetrate regolith layers up to three meters deep, where helium-3 concentrations are highest.
Challenges and Competition
While Interlune is optimistic, experts remain skeptical. Laszlo Keszthelyi of the U.S. Astrological Center warns that extracting helium-3 may not be economically viable, citing its minuscule concentration in lunar soil—ranging from 2.4 to 26 parts per million. This would necessitate processing between 100,000 and 1 million tons of regolith to obtain a single kilogram of helium-3.
Meanwhile, Interlune isn’t the only player. Japan’s ispace has partnered with Magna Petra, a lunar exploration company, to extract helium-3 for Earth-based applications. With competition heating up, Interlune’s success will depend on technological advancements and the market’s readiness to embrace lunar-sourced helium-3.
Helium-3 Lunar Mining: Conclusion
Interlune’s ambitious plan to mine helium-3 could revolutionize energy and technology sectors. If successful, this endeavor will provide critical resources for quantum computing and clean energy solutions, marking a new chapter in lunar exploration and resource utilization.
