T-Minus Space Daily: Interlune Secures First Customers for Helium-3 Lunar Mining Released on May 8, 2025 by N2K Networks

Introduction

In the May 8, 2025 episode of T-Minus Space Daily, host Maria Varmazas delves into the groundbreaking developments in the space industry, with a particular focus on Interlune's pioneering efforts in helium-3 lunar mining. This episode also features an insightful interview with Joe Sherman, Principal Aerospace and Defense Sector AI Leader and US Space Program Leader at PwC, discussing the future of commercial space and the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) in the sector.

Interlune Secures First Customers for Helium-3 Lunar Mining

Interlune's Milestone Achievements

Interlune has made significant strides in the realm of lunar resource extraction by securing its first major customers for helium-3 mining on the Moon. The U.S. Department of Energy’s isotope program has committed to purchasing 3 liters of helium-3, while Maybelle Quantum has agreed to procure thousands of liters annually from 2029 to 2035.

• Customer Commitments:
  • U.S. Department of Energy (DOE): Plans to use helium-3 for nuclear fusion research and various scientific applications. Interlune aims to deliver helium-3 by April 2029 at current commercial market prices.
  • Maybelle Quantum: Intends to utilize helium-3 in dilution refrigerators essential for cooling quantum devices to near absolute zero temperatures, facilitating the operation of thousands of quantum computers globally.

Prototype Excavator and Joint Ventures

Interlune has collaborated with Vermeer Corporation to unveil a full-scale prototype excavator designed for lunar mining. This machine can process 100 metric tons of lunar regolith per hour, marking the first phase in a proprietary four-step system: excavate, sort, extract, and separate. Further collaboration includes a joint venture between Rheinmetall and ISI to produce satellites, showcasing the interconnectedness of lunar mining and satellite manufacturing sectors.

Key Industry Developments

IonQ Acquires Capella Space Corporation

IonQ announced plans to acquire Capella Space Corporation to bolster its Quantum Key Distribution (QKD) network, enhancing partnerships with top U.S. secret agencies. This acquisition is expected to finalize in the latter half of 2025, pending regulatory approvals.

Office of Space Commerce Expands Traffic Coordination System

The Traffic Coordination System for Space (Trax) has expanded its cooperative R&D agreement with SpaceX, incorporating launch collision avoidance screenings and preparing SpaceX as a beta user ahead of a production launch in January 2026.

Sierra Space's Resilient GPS Technology

Sierra Space successfully demonstrated its Resilient GPS (RGPS) technology to the U.S. Space Force, integrating RGPS satellite technology with FLATSAT flight software and hardware subsystems. This achievement follows a Quick Start RGBS contract awarded in September for designing cost-effective GPS satellites.

Interview with Joe Sherman: PwC's Perspectives on Commercial Space and AI Integration

Overview of PwC's Next in Space 2025 Report

Joe Sherman provides an in-depth analysis of PwC’s recently released Next in Space 2025 report, highlighting the economic impact and emerging trends within the commercial space sector.

AI Integration in Aerospace and Defense

Sherman emphasizes the critical role of AI in streamlining aerospace engineering processes. He notes, “[...] these processes are taking so long. And you have aircraft, spacecraft and satellite on ground for three months, six months, or even years in length. And so we're not getting to the point where we can really commercialize space just yet” (11:09). PwC is focused on integrating AI to accelerate design, manufacturing, and program management, thereby enhancing the competitiveness of smaller companies and aiding larger enterprises in optimizing their operations.

Workforce Development and Regulatory Challenges

Addressing workforce development, Sherman discusses the barriers posed by stringent regulations like ITAR, which impede the adoption of generative AI and automation within the space sector. He highlights recent advancements, such as Microsoft’s government cloud AI solutions, which pave the way for broader AI integration. Sherman states, “These are the things that have to continue to occur to help the workforce and enable the workforce to drive bigger, stronger, faster” (15:50).

Future Trends: Space Trucking and Data Centers in Orbit

Sherman introduces futuristic concepts like space trucking and the establishment of data centers in orbit. He envisions a thriving commercial ecosystem where logistics operations extend beyond Earth, facilitating the transportation of goods and data across lunar and planetary bases. “She built the highway in space and all these types of companies that are out there. And me personally, this is a real thing. It's called space trucking” (16:52).

Additional Stories

NASA's Viper Lunar Rover Update

NASA has decided to cancel its partnership proposal solicitation for the Viper lunar rover, opting to explore alternative approaches for its delivery to the Moon. This shift indicates potential upcoming collaborations with commercial entities to advance lunar exploration technologies.

China's Daytime Laser Ranging Measurement to the Moon

The Chinese Academy of Sciences achieved a world-first by conducting a daytime laser ranging measurement from Earth to the Moon. This feat involved bouncing an infrared laser off a retroreflector on the Tiandu Lunar Orbiter, demonstrating enhanced precision in measuring Earth-Moon distances despite solar interference. This accomplishment not only aids in mission precision but also serves as tangible evidence against lunar landing conspiracy theories.

Conclusion

The episode of T-Minus Space Daily underscores the rapid advancements and collaborative efforts driving the commercialization of space. Interlune’s successful acquisition of major customers for helium-3 mining signifies a pivotal step towards sustainable lunar resource utilization. Coupled with strategic acquisitions, technological breakthroughs, and visionary insights from industry leaders like Joe Sherman, the space sector is poised for transformative growth. As the workforce adapts to AI integrations and new business models emerge, the pathway to a vibrant and economically viable space marketplace becomes increasingly tangible.

Notable Quotes:

• Joe Sherman (10:17): “We don't have the frequency of launches that we need to get the capacity of workloads and payloads that we need into space.”

• Joe Sherman (15:50): “These regulations, hopefully that are being released or removed or at least lowered is going to lower the barrier to entry.”

• Joe Sherman (16:52): “It's called space trucking. I'm really personally interested in space trucking just because I'm a big trouble and little China fan.”

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