Helium 3 is an isotope of helium gas that has two protons and one neutron in its atomic nucleus. It is very rare on Earth, but exists in abundance on the lunar surface, where it is deposited by the solar wind. Helium 3 is considered a fuel of the future, as it can be used to generate clean, unlimited energy in a nuclear fusion reactor. Nuclear fusion is the process by which the nuclei of light atoms come together to form heavier atoms, releasing a large amount of energy.
The advantage of Helium 3 is that it is not radioactive and does not produce hazardous waste, unlike other nuclear fuels such as uranium and plutonium. Furthermore, Helium 3 has a high energy yield, that is, a small amount of it can generate a large amount of energy.
The application possibilities are endless!
Therefore, many nations are preparing for a new space race, with the aim of conquering a share of the lunar Helium 3. China, for example, was the first country to land a probe on the far side of the moon, in 2019, and announced plans to build an international base on the moon. India, Russia, the United States and the European Union also have lunar mission projects, which could include research and mining.
Helium 3 is, therefore, a valuable and disputed resource, which could change the world's energy and geopolitical scenario. Will we see a new era of space exploration and cooperation, or a new cold war for the moon?
I've worked on this some in the past. Here is some more information about Helium-3 mining on the moon.
https://www.esa.int/Enabling_Support/Preparing_for_the_Future/Space_for_Earth/Energy/Helium-3_mining_on_the_lunar_surface
Just remember to paint the rifles white like they did on “For All Mankind”
What an interesting post! I didn't know anything about helium 3 and that it was so abundant on the moon, now we will have more reasons to want to get there again to take all that "fuel of the future" thanks for sharing