Interlune, a startup with ambitious lunar ambitions, has secured a significant NASA contract to develop a cutting-edge helium-3 extraction payload. This marks a pivotal moment in the company's journey to harness the moon's resources. The $6.9 million contract, awarded by NASA's Space Technology Mission Directorate, will fund the creation of the Prospect Moon payload, a sophisticated robotic system designed to extract helium-3 from lunar regolith. This is a groundbreaking endeavor, as it will be the first time solar wind volatiles are extracted in situ on the moon, opening up new possibilities for lunar exploration and resource utilization.
Rob Meyerson, Interlune's CEO, emphasizes the importance of this project, stating, 'This is going to be the first time that solar wind volatiles have been extracted from lunar regolith in situ on the moon.' The Prospect Moon payload is equipped with a robotic arm that will scoop regolith into an instrument for analysis. One sample will be heated to measure volatile gases, including helium-3 and hydrogen, while other samples will undergo mechanical processing, such as size sorting and agitation. This meticulous process will enable the calibration of extraction techniques, paving the way for future large-scale resource extraction operations.
The payload is set to be integrated onto a lunar lander in the fall of 2027, with a launch scheduled for 2028. Interlune is strategically evaluating various lander mission options, favoring missions to the lunar equatorial regions. This decision aligns with NASA's recent surge in lander missions, as part of its revised lunar exploration plan, which includes the development of a lunar base. Meyerson highlights the payload's relatively low cost, allowing Interlune to produce multiple copies that can be flown on different landers, further enhancing the company's prospects for success.
Interlune's journey to the moon is not without precedent. The company previously announced an agreement to fly a camera, named Crescent Moon, on Astrolab's FLIP rover. This camera will search for ilmenite, a mineral associated with helium-3, and is currently being integrated onto the FLIP rover for a planned launch later this year. The company's expertise in lunar exploration has been recognized, with strong demand for helium-3, as evidenced by contracts from the Department of Energy and quantum computing companies Maybell Quantum and Bluefors, totaling approximately $500 million.
Despite the progress, Interlune acknowledges the challenges ahead. Meyerson admits that extracting helium-3 from the moon will take several years, with operations likely beginning in the early 2030s. The company is also exploring terrestrial sources of helium-3, including technology to extract trace amounts from industrial-grade helium. While the lunar base is not Interlune's primary focus due to its location at the south polar region, the company recognizes its potential as a commercial partner, offering technologies and capabilities that can benefit the base's development.
In conclusion, Interlune's NASA contract for the Prospect Moon payload represents a significant milestone in lunar exploration and resource utilization. With its innovative approach and strategic partnerships, the company is poised to play a pivotal role in the future of space exploration, offering a unique perspective on the possibilities and challenges of harnessing the moon's resources.
