Why the Moon’s helium-3 is being called “moon gold,” and why global superpowers including U.S., Russia and China want it first.

Going to be some very expensive gas.

"Apollo samples typically showed helium-3 concentrations measured in parts per billion. That means enormous volumes of regolith must be processed to extract useful gas. The basic industrial recipe is straightforward on paper. "

  • Fyrnyx@kbin.melroy.org
    18·
    1 day ago

    Both have placed lunar exploration high on their national agendas and explicitly tied it to future technological and strategic advantage.

    As the US practically guts NASA…

    • Frezik@lemmy.blahaj.zoneEnglish
      11·
      16 hours ago

      Making the same mistake the Soviets did with their space program. It was more important as national prestige than doing the actual building blocks that get you to the next steps. NASA had far, far more spillover effects into the nation at large than the Soviets ever did. Semiconductors alone are an incalculable benefit.

      The last tankie I mentioned this to retorted “Russia had weather satellites”. Yes, they’re adorable.