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Interlune Wins NASA Contract For Lunar Mining Tech

May 5, 2026

1 min read

Key Takeaways

Interlune wins $6.9 million NASA contract for helium-3 mining tech demo.
Technology demonstrator to fly on lunar lander in 2028.
Contract aims to extract helium-3 and hydrogen gas from lunar soil.

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Strategic Implications

This contract may signal NASA's growing interest in lunar resource utilization, which could have significant implications for future space missions and the development of sustainable space exploration. The technology demonstrator suggests a focus on in-situ resource utilization, which could reduce reliance on Earth-based supplies and enhance the feasibility of long-term space missions.

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What Happened

Helium-3 Extraction Demo Set For 2028 Moon Mission

Interlune has been awarded a $6.9 million contract by NASA to demonstrate technology for extracting helium-3 and hydrogen gas from the lunar soil on a mission planned for 2028. The technology demonstrator is designed to fly on a lunar lander developed for NASA’s Commercial Lunar program. This development may pave the way for future lunar resource utilization and sustainable space exploration. The contract was first reported by Aviation Week.

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Companies Mentioned