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A startup wants to mine the moon for helium
- Interlune, a startup company, aims to mine the moon for helium-3 isotopes, essential for quantum computers and nuclear fusion reactors.
- The company plans to conduct lunar excursions starting in 2027 to extract helium-3, which is rare on Earth but more abundant on the moon.
- Helium-3's cooling properties make it valuable for specialized technologies, with a single kilogram estimated to be worth around $20 million.
- Interlune's Prospect Moon mission, scheduled for 2027, will evaluate the feasibility of a full-scale lunar mining operation.
- Despite potential financial gains, uncertainties remain regarding the quantity of helium-3 in lunar regolith and legal jurisdiction over moon resources.
- Lunar mining operations could impact the lunar environment, sparking international debates over lunar territory and conservation.
- Interlune's scientific adviser, Clive Neal, believes preserving the moon's environment may not be necessary due to the absence of life on the moon.
- However, considerations about cultural significance and the ethical implications of altering the moon's surface are raised as potential concerns.
- Large-scale lunar mining projects are still in the distant future, leaving room for discussions involving stakeholders and regulators.
- Interlune did not provide further comments regarding their lunar mining plans at the time of publication.
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