Recent Progress in Lunar Helium-3 Extraction Research

Abstract

Research is ongoing to develop a prototype lunar volatiles extraction system that will demonstrate a process for acquiring helium-3 for future fusion power plants that would produce little to no radioactive waste, and other volatile gases that can be used for life support in space. The prototype system is called the Helium Extraction and Acquisition Test bed (HEAT). Testing of HEAT will focus on obtaining information on the rate of 3 He extraction possible and to what extent thermal energy recovery can be employed in this kind of volatile extraction system.