Futureproof: Lunar Mining
While searching for He-3 deposits, Prospector 4 made its fifth and largest neodymium deposit field discovery on the boundaries of the Aitken crater, located on the far side of the moon.
FUTURE NARRATIVE /
The race to secure more helium-3 (He-3) is on! Helium-3 is rare in Earth's atmosphere, but it is plentiful in lunar soil. He-3 is advancing quantum computing, powering fusion energy facilities, and enabling the production of in-space propellants. New companies are growing, offering trans-lunar transport, space mining equipment manufacturing and maintenance, lunar accommodations, and even space medical care.
Thankfully, with so many space exploration and energy companies staking claims to lunar plots, an international regulatory board oversees the allocation of mining rights. I’m proud to crew one of the Prospector craft, which oversees sustainable lunar mining and exploration operations.
TECHNOLOGY /
Helium-3 extraction, storage, and transportation technologies must be developed to harvest the rare but potentially vital isotope from the lunar surface.
IMPLICATIONS /
As lunar mining operations become a reality, companies like SpaceX, Astra, Caterpillar, Shell, Exxon, Glencore, Interlune, and other future energy and mining companies will face new opportunities.
International regulatory bodies may need to be established to ensure the future sustainability of lunar mining and exploration.
EARLY SIGNALS AND RELATED CONCEPTS /
TechCrunch Article on Interlune lunar mining startup.
Lessons from deep-water and deep-space exploration efforts will likely be transferable.
See the Futureproof Autonomous Undersea Resource Explorer Postcard.
Futureproof is a series of occasional provocations illustrating possible future paths for technology and culture. Think postcards from the future.
