Interlune Unveils Plan to Mine Helium-3 on the Moon

With a target to begin prospecting by 2026, the startup aims to fuel future technologies and support an in-space economy.

Interlune, a Seattle-based startup, has announced its plan to harvest helium-3 from the moon, aiming for initial prospecting missions by 2026 and commercial operations in the 2030s.
The venture is led by industry veterans including former Blue Origin executives and an Apollo astronaut, with $18 million in seed funding raised.
Helium-3, rare on Earth but abundant on the moon, has potential applications in quantum computing, national security, medical imaging, and as a fuel for fusion reactors.
Interlune's technology promises to use significantly less power than existing methods for extracting helium-3, with a sustainable and responsible approach to lunar mining.
The company's long-term vision includes leveraging lunar resources to support an in-space economy, offering materials for space-based businesses.