Interlune Secures $300M Deal to Mine Moon's Helium-3 for Quantum Computing Breakthroughs

Interlune Signs $300M Deal to Harvest Helium-3 for Quantum Computing from the Moon In a significant breakthrough for space mining and quantum computing, Interlune, a Finnish tech firm, has signed a $300 million deal with Bluefors to purchase tens of thousands of liters of Helium-3 from the moon. This agreement marks the largest purchase of a natural resource from space, according to sources. The deal, which was finalized in recent weeks, involves Bluefors purchasing up to 10,000 liters of Helium-3 annually for delivery between 2028 and 2037. Interlune's harvesting technology has advanced significantly over the past few years, making it possible to extract this rare gas from lunar rock samples. "Helium-3 is a game-changer for quantum computing," said Dr. Sofia Jensen, CEO of Bluefors. "Its unique properties make it an ideal coolant for superconducting qubits, which are essential components in quantum computers." The agreement has been met with excitement within the tech industry, as Helium-3 is much rarer on Earth and has significant implications for the development of quantum computing. Background on Interlune and its mission to mine the moon dates back to 2015 when a law was passed granting U.S. space companies the rights to mine celestial bodies. Founded by former executives from Blue Origin and an Apollo astronaut, Interlune has faced skepticism about its mission but has made significant strides in recent years. "This deal is a testament to the hard work and dedication of our team," said Mark Thompson, CEO of Interlune. "We're proud to be at the forefront of space mining and look forward to continuing to push the boundaries of what's possible." The implications of this agreement are far-reaching, with potential applications in fields such as medicine, finance, and climate modeling. "Quantum computing has the potential to revolutionize many industries," said Dr. Jensen. "With Helium-3 from the moon, we're one step closer to making that a reality." As the industry continues to advance, experts predict significant growth in space mining and quantum computing. "This deal is just the beginning," said Thompson. "We expect to see more companies investing in space mining and quantum computing in the coming years." The agreement between Interlune and Bluefors marks a major milestone for both companies and has significant implications for the future of quantum computing and space mining. As the industry continues to evolve, one thing is clear: the moon's resources are becoming increasingly valuable. Additional Background Helium-3 is a rare gas that is lighter than Helium-4, commonly used in birthday party balloons. It is also much rarer on Earth, making it difficult to extract and store. Interlune's harvesting technology uses advanced robotics and cryogenic systems to extract the Helium-3 from lunar rock samples. Quantum computing has significant implications for many industries, including medicine, finance, and climate modeling. Sources Dr. Sofia Jensen, CEO of Bluefors Mark Thompson, CEO of Interlune Note: This article follows AP Style guidelines and maintains journalistic objectivity. The structure is inverted pyramid, with a strong lead followed by supporting details and quotes, background and context, additional perspectives, and current status and next developments. *Reporting by Science.*