Two space firms, Japanese company ispace and Australian-based Magna Petra, have agreed to mine helium-3 isotopes on the Moon. The rare isotope has an extreme demand on Earth due to its use in nuclear fusion reactions and cooling materials for quantum computers.
Helium-3 is a stable isotope that can be used without producing radioactive waste or greenhouse gas emissions. Historically, the supply of helium-3 from national nuclear programs outstripped demand, but increased demand since 9/11 has pushed it to the forefront.
The Moon’s regolith contains abundant helium-3 due to solar winds bombarding its surface. ispace founder Takeshi Hakamada stated that developing lunar resources is crucial for the cislunar economy and will support various companies’ goals for a new economic frontier.
Magna Petra is patenting technology to efficiently extract helium-3 with minimal impact on the lunar surface. The company plans reconnaissance and collection missions, including one set to take place in January using a Resilience lunar lander made by ispace.
Source: https://eandt.theiet.org/2024/12/12/moon-mining-mission-extract-helium-3-bid-alleviate-extreme-supply-shortages-earth