ispace and Magna Petra set sights on Moon helium

Magna Petra’s primary target is helium-3 (he-3), an isotope in short supply on Earth, but which has crucial functions in areas such as medical imaging, quantum computing and nuclear fusion. He-3 is created by the Sun’s nuclear fusion and carried by solar winds, but Earth’s atmosphere means the isotope makes up as little as 0.0001 per cent of the helium on this planet.

Due to the absence of a magnetic field on the Moon, he-3 is much more abundant there. Magna Petra is now working with ispace on a plan to collect and return meaningful quantities of he-3 from the lunar surface using ‘non-destructive, sustainable harvesting’.  

“We are pleased to cooperate with Magna Petra to transport their technology to the Moon,” said Takeshi Hakamada, founder & CEO of ispace.

“The cislunar economy will be dependent on many important resources other than water, and it is important to work to make use of these resources. ispace will continue to support the goals of various companies and organisations necessary for the development of the new economy.”