Lunar Nuclear Fusion

Helium-3 is a non-radioactive isotope of helium available in significant quantities on the moon, but rare on Earth, which will really give value to the Moon when fusion reactors that can burn the stuff are developed.

The Moon’s surface is covered with many meters of regolith that stores low but ubiquitous concentrations of helium-3, an isotope of helium that undergoes fusion reactions which may ultimately be tapped for energy.

The development of lunar helium-3 could also lead to the development of fusion rocket propulsion systems, with long-term implications for interplanetary missions in terms of reduced trip times and associated reductions in astronaut exposure to weightlessness and radiation in space.

However, reliable, efficient fusion reactors using helium-3 will first need to be developed.

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