Interlune plans to start mining on the Moon by 2030

Interlune, a moon mining startup, is aiming to begin extracting helium-3 from the moon by 2030. Founded by former top employees of Blue Origin and Apollo 17 astronaut Harrison H. Schmitt, the company plans to be the first private company to mine the moon’s natural resources and bring them back to Earth.

Helium-3 is a valuable isotope that can be used for applications such as quantum computing and medical imaging, as well as potential fuel for fusion reactors. Interlune has recently secured $18 million in funding, with $15 million coming from a round led by venture firm Seven Seven Six, founded by Reddit co-founder Alexis Ohanian.

The company hopes to have a pilot plant on the moon by 2028, with operations set to begin by 2030. Interlune plans to excavate lunar soil, extract the helium-3 gas, and ship it back to Earth. Along with their proprietary lunar harvester, the company is planning a robotic lander mission to assess the concentration of helium-3 at the chosen location on the moon’s surface.

Rob Meyerson, one of Interlune’s founders, stated, “For the first time in history, harvesting natural resources from the Moon is technologically and economically feasible.” The team also includes Gary Lai, Indra Hornsby, and James Antifaev, bringing a wealth of experience from companies like Blue Origin, Rocket Lab, and Alphabet’s Loon project.

Debating the Ethics of Space Mining: Balancing Resource Extraction with Environmental Preservation and Ownership Rights

The potential negative consequences of mining resources from the Moon and space include concerns about damaging the natural environment of the Moon, disrupting the balance of the lunar surface, and potential conflicts over resource ownership and extraction rights. There may also be ethical considerations related to the commercialization and exploitation of outer space.

On the positive side, harvesting resources from the Moon and space could lead to technological advancements, such as the development of new energy sources like helium-3 for fusion reactors, as well as advancements in space exploration and colonization. This could also open up new economic opportunities and create jobs in the emerging space industry. Additionally, accessing resources from space could reduce the burden on Earth’s limited resources and potentially address global challenges such as energy sustainability and resource scarcity.

What is your opinion about space mining?

Do you think it is a necessary step for technological advancement and resource sustainability, or do you have concerns about the potential environmental impact and ethical implications of mining resources from the Moon and beyond?

Should private companies like Interlune be allowed to exploit lunar resources for profit, or should there be more regulation and oversight in place to ensure the preservation of space environments?