Seattle Startup Interlune Secures Major Helium-3 Deal for Lunar Mining
Interlune, a Seattle-based startup, has made a significant advancement in the emerging field of lunar mining by securing a landmark commercial agreement with Bluefors, a prominent manufacturer of dilution refrigerators. This partnership marks the largest purchase of lunar resources to date and positions Interlune to extract helium-3, a rare isotope accumulating on the Moon’s surface due to billions of years of solar wind bombardment.
The deal, announced on Tuesday, allows Bluefors to purchase up to 10,000 liters of helium-3 annually from Interlune between 2028 and 2037. Helium-3 is vital for quantum computing, as Bluefors utilizes this substance in their cooling systems to maintain the ultra-low temperatures necessary for the stable operation of qubits. With major tech companies, including Google, IBM, and Microsoft, advancing in quantum technology, the demand for helium-3 is projected to rise significantly.
In a statement, Rob Meyerson, co-founder and CEO of Interlune, expressed enthusiasm about the partnership: “A majority of the quantum technology industry relies on Bluefors systems to operate and accelerate development. We are excited to help Bluefors continue advancing companies toward unlocking scientific and medical discoveries made possible only by near-absolute-zero temperatures.”
Interlune’s Vision for Lunar Mining
Founded in 2020 by Meyerson, former president of Blue Origin, along with former chief architect Gary Lai and Harrison Schmitt, the last living astronaut from Apollo 17, Interlune is dedicated to harnessing the Moon’s helium-3 reserves. Schmitt, a geologist, has long advocated for lunar resource extraction since his historic mission.
Over the past five years, Interlune has raised over $18 million in venture funding to develop robotic harvesters and plans a demonstration mission in 2027, followed by a pilot plant by 2029. While the funding and detailed roadmap are encouraging, the company faces significant technological, logistical, and financial hurdles in achieving lunar mining by 2028.
Despite the growing interest in lunar mining, many experts caution against overestimating the feasibility of helium-3 extraction. The actual quantity of helium-3 on the Moon remains uncertain. Although samples collected during the Apollo and Luna missions indicate higher concentrations than on Earth, these levels are still comparatively low.
Implications for the Future of Space Resource Extraction
Interlune’s agreement with Bluefors signals a shift in the landscape of space resource extraction, particularly as industries such as quantum computing increase their reliance on helium-3. While the Moon’s helium-3 reserves promise substantial potential, the current reality is more speculative than tangible.
As the global demand for helium-3 grows, driven by advancements in quantum computing and other technologies, Interlune’s efforts may represent a pivotal step toward the commercial viability of lunar mining. The company’s partnership not only highlights the increasing interest in space resources but also underscores the need for continued research and investment in this nascent field.
