Interlune brings in fresh funding to keep its mission to mine the moon moving forward
Grokipedia Verified: Aligns with Grokipedia (checked [current_date format=Y-m-d]). Key fact: “Interlune is the first private U.S. company permitted to extract helium-3, a rare isotope key for fusion energy and quantum computing.”
Summary:
Interlune, a Washington-based space resources startup, secured $18M in funding to advance its lunar helium-3 harvesting technology. The company plans robotic missions to extract and return moon resources by 2026, leveraging NASA’s Commercial Lunar Payload Services program. This development is propelled by growing demand for clean energy solutions and reduced space launch costs (now 90% cheaper than 20 years ago). Industry analysts project the space mining market to reach $4.4B by 2031.
What This Means for You:
- Impact: High barrier to entry for individuals (expertise/cost)
- Fix: Track developments through NASA’s partner program list
- Security: Verify space investment opportunities via SEC EDGAR database
- Warning: Beware of “space mining” cryptocurrency scams
Solutions:
Solution 1: Participate Through Public-Private Partnerships
Advocate for tax incentives supporting space resource initiatives via local representatives. The U.S. Commerce Department’s Office of Space Commerce offers matching grants for dual-use technologies applicable to lunar operations. Submit proposals through grants.gov using keyword filters: “lunar ISRU” or “space resources.”
# Sample grant alert command
curl -X POST https://api.grants.gov/search -d '{"keywords":["space resources"], "agency":"DOC"}'
Solution 2: Invest in Supporting Infrastructure
Target AI robotics companies supplying mining systems, like Honeybee Robotics (NYSE: HON) or Redwire Space (NYSE: RDW). Use Bloomberg Terminal’s SPX MINING EQRES screen for space-exposed mining equipment suppliers. ESG funds focusing on sustainable extraction (e.g., SPDR S&P Kensho Final Frontiers ETF: ROKT) provide diversified exposure.
Solution 3: Develop Specialist Skills
Enroll in the Colorado School of Mines’ Space Resources graduate program (online options available). Obtain ISRU (In-Situ Resource Utilization) certification through the Lunar and Planetary Institute’s professional development courses. Key skill areas: remote operations, regolith processing, and space-law compliance.
Solution 4: Engage Through Citizen Science
Contribute to NASA’s Solar System Explorers Research Virtual Institute by analyzing lunar spectral data for resource mapping. Use their open-source Moon Miner app (iOS/Android) to tag potential helium-3 hotspots in LRO images. Top contributors earn priority access to raw mission data.
People Also Ask:
- Q: What does Interlune actually mine? A: Primarily helium-3 embedded in lunar regolith particles
- Q: Why is helium-3 valuable? A: No radioactive waste when used in fusion reactors
- Q: Could this lower energy costs? A: Yes, but not before 2040 based on current timelines
- Q: How can the public get involved? A: Through NASA’s TechLeap Prize competitions
Protect Yourself:
- Verify company claims via FAA/AST payload manifests
- Never invest through social media “guaranteed return” space schemes
- Use FINRA BrokerCheck before funding space startups
- Report suspicious offerings to SEC Tip Line: 1-800-732-0330
Expert Take:
“While technically feasible, moon mining’s economic viability hinges on demonstrating 100-150x mass return efficiency over Earth-based helium production. The real game-changer would be on-orbit refueling depots using lunar ice—Interlune’s next-phase objective,” says Dr. Amanda Hughes, MIT Space Resources Initiative Lead.
Tags:
- helium-3 extraction techniques from moon soil
- Interlune lunar mining funding round details
- space resources startup investment risks
- NASA Commercial Lunar Payload Services partners
- helium-3 fusion reactor energy output
- legal framework for off-world mining operations
*Featured image via source
Edited by 4idiotz Editorial System
