Space Startup Interlune Raises $18 Million to Mine Helium-3 on the Moon for Fusion Energy and Quantum Computing
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A company called Interlune raised $18 million to develop technology for mining Helium-3 on the moon and bringing it back to Earth. Helium-3 can be used for nuclear fusion and quantum computing.
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Interlune was founded by former Blue Origin executives, an Apollo astronaut, and other space industry veterans. They intend to be the first company to commercially mine and sell lunar resources.
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Interlune has lined up a customer interested in buying large quantities of lunar Helium-3. NASA has also shown interest in purchasing lunar resources.
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Interlune plans prospecting and demonstration missions to the moon in 2026 and 2028, with full mining operations targeted for 2030. This relies on emerging commercial access to the moon.
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Investor Alexis Ohanian sees potential in ambitious commercial space companies like Interlune, though profits may take over a decade. SpaceX has validated private sector opportunities.