Interlune, a natural resources company, is on a mission to unlock the potential of Helium-3, a rare and valuable isotope with applications in various fields, including quantum computing and fusion energy. Recently, the company received a significant boost in its efforts with a $365,000 grant from the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE). This funding will support the development of a cutting-edge technology for separating Helium-3 from domestic Helium supplies, addressing a crucial need in the burgeoning quantum computing industry and beyond.
The innovative approach proposed by Interlune leverages the magnetocaloric effect, which involves cooling liquid Helium to extremely low temperatures using magnetic fields. This method holds the promise of being more energy-efficient and cost-effective compared to traditional techniques. The process relies on the principle that Helium-3 can be isolated from Helium-4 by cooling the mixture to extremely low temperatures.
The DOE grant is a testament to the potential of Interlune’s technology to contribute to a robust domestic supply chain for Helium-3. The current reliance on tritium decay, which is not scalable enough to meet rising demand, makes this innovation particularly relevant. Interlune co-founder and CEO, Rob Meyerson, highlights the significance of the grant, stating that it “provides Interlune with the opportunity to increase the Helium-3 supply in the short-term while advancing technology to harvest the abundant Helium-3 on the Moon soon after.”
Helium-3 is abundant on the Moon but scarce on Earth, making it a valuable target for future lunar resource extraction. Interlune is actively pursuing this long-term goal, aiming to become the first company to commercialize natural resources from space. Their vision extends beyond Earth, envisioning a future where lunar resources fuel industries and innovation.
The company’s dedication to sustainable and responsible space resource harvesting aligns with the DOE’s commitment to developing robust domestic supply chains and reducing dependence on foreign resources. Interlune’s innovative technology and strategic vision could reshape the future of quantum computing and other cutting-edge technologies, paving the way for a new era of space exploration and resource utilization.
