Chemistry on the Moon: The Quest for Helium-3

The unique presence of helium-3 on the Moon will provide an abundant and powerful source of fuel for energy on Earth, and will be the basis for exploration of and settlement on other heavenly bodies. Attaining this superior fusion fuel will be the keystone to any proposed program for economic development for any nation on Earth or for any advances in space. It is estimated that there are at least one million tons of helium-3 embedded in the lunar surface. One ton of helium-3 can produce 10 GW of electrical energy for a year. This means that with less than the equivalent of two Space Shuttle payloads, we could power the United States for one year. In total, lunar helium-3 is estimated to be able to power the Earth for over 1,000 years. Helium-3 fusion fuel, and the economic transformation that it will bring about on Earth will allow us to begin to take advantage of the myriad opportunities awaiting us on the Moon, as a crucial first step in the economic development of the rest of the Solar System. The energy released in a deuterium-helium-3 fusion reaction is 18.4 MeV, making it the most energy dense fusion reaction known in terms of net energy gain. Because helium-3–deuterium fusion reactions are mostly aneutronic, the charged particles and electromagnetic radiation that are produced instead can be converted directly into electricity. This enables us to bypass the inefficient and outdated steam cycle altogether, resulting in a doubling of net electricity yield. The non-electric applications of helium-3 fusion will be an integral part of the fusion economy. Helium-3 makes a superior fuel for propulsion not only because the higher energy density enables greater power, but because the charged particle fusion products can be magnetically controlled to propel the rocket. The protons yielded from a helium-3–deuterium reaction will be an important source of medical isotopes. The Peaceful use of Nuclear Explosives (PNE) utilizing helium-3 fuel will be a necessary technology for advanced construction projects on both the Earth and Moon. These are only a few examples of the opportunities awaiting us on our estranged satellite. How shall we begin their realization?

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