Interlune has secured a $6.9 million sole-source contract from NASA to develop a payload capable of directly measuring gases within lunar soil, a significant step toward establishing a sustainable presence on the Moon. The 18-month project, funded through NASA’s Space Technology Mission Directorate, will focus on extracting and quantifying volatile gases like helium-3 and hydrogen from lunar regolith, resources critical for potential energy applications and long-term lunar infrastructure. “For the first time, we will measure volatile gases by heating lunar regolith while on the Moon,” said Interlune chief scientist Dr. Elizabeth Frank, “dramatically advancing the scientific community’s understanding of its properties.” Scheduled for launch in 2028, the payload will utilize a robotic arm, size-sorting device, and a NASA-developed mass spectrometer to analyze lunar samples and inform the development of a full-scale helium-3 harvesting system.
$6.9 Million NASA Contract Funds Lunar Volatile Gas Measurement
This funding, awarded through NASA’s Space Technology Mission Directorate’s Game Changing Development program, will facilitate the creation of a payload designed to directly measure volatile gases within lunar regolith, a feat never before accomplished on the lunar surface. The project’s core aim extends beyond scientific understanding; it’s geared towards demonstrating technologies for extracting valuable resources like helium-3 and hydrogen, essential components for potential future energy applications. The Interlune payload, slated for launch in 2028, represents a culmination of prior research conducted with NASA’s Flight Opportunities program and the National Science Foundation, building upon prototypes tested in simulated lunar gravity environments. This advanced system will employ a robotic arm and scoop to collect regolith samples, sorting particles by size before extracting solar wind gases using both mechanical and thermal processes.
A multi-spectral camera will estimate helium-3 concentrations, while a mass spectrometer, based on NASA’s Mass Spectrometer Observing Lunar Operations (MSOLO), will precisely measure the concentration of released gases. Elizabeth Frank provided additional details. Data gathered from this mission will benefit NASA and the broader lunar science community by providing insights into volatile concentrations and lunar mineralogy, and will also directly inform the development of Interlune’s full-scale helium-3 harvesting system. Rob Meyerson, co-founder and CEO of Interlune, explained that the project has dual-use potential across industry and government, contributing to building a lunar economy.
Interlune Payload Design: Regolith Analysis & Gas Extraction
This 18-month project focuses on quantifying the energy requirements for resource extraction, specifically targeting helium-3 and hydrogen, crucial components for potential terrestrial energy applications and sustaining a lunar presence. Scheduled for launch in 2028 aboard a commercial robotic lander participating in NASA’s Commercial Lunar Payload Services program, the system incorporates a sophisticated array of tools. Elizabeth Frank also contributed to the design. The company already boasts nearly $500 million in binding purchase orders for helium-3, including commitments from the U.S. Department of Energy and quantum computing firms, demonstrating a clear commercial pathway for lunar resources.
For the first time ever, we will measure volatile gases by heating lunar regolith while on the Moon, dramatically advancing the scientific community’s understanding of its properties.
Helium-3 Harvesting Roadmap & Existing Purchase Orders
Interlune is rapidly translating ambition into tangible progress toward lunar resource extraction, as evidenced by the recently awarded $6.9 million sole-source contract from NASA’s Space Technology Mission Directorate. Central to Interlune’s efforts is the extraction of helium-3 and hydrogen, resources with potential applications in terrestrial energy production and beyond. Elizabeth Frank discussed the importance of these resources. The payload’s design incorporates a suite of technologies, including a robotic arm and scoop, size-sorting mechanisms, and a mass spectrometer derived from NASA’s MSOLO system, all intended to quantify released gases. Data gathered will inform NASA’s lunar exploration goals and refine Interlune’s plans for a full-scale helium-3 harvesting system, with support from the Department of Energy and companies involved in quantum computing.
NASA’s continued investment in space technology enables technology development projects like this one to ensure America’s leadership in building the lunar economy.
Rob Meyerson, Co-founder and CEO of Interlune
