Black Moon Energy has engaged the Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) to launch a robotic lunar mission focused on recovering Helium-3. The mission will gather data critical to de-risking Helium-3 production, a rare element on Earth but abundant on the Moon. This fuel is considered ideal for fusion energy, potentially releasing four million times more energy than fossil fuels.
JPL Partnership Drives Robotic Lunar Helium-3 Data Acquisition
The Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) and Caltech are key partners in a robotic mission designed to gather data for future lunar Helium-3 production. JPL’s role encompasses overseeing the robotic systems used on the Moon, along with the scientific instruments and the acquisition of data collected during the expedition. This collaboration leverages JPL’s expertise in robotic space exploration to support Black Moon Energy’s resource-assessment strategy and overall mission operations. This initial year-long expedition is designed to create a definitive dataset for evaluating the feasibility of Helium-3 production.
Data acquired will inform applications beyond fusion power, including national security, quantum computing, and medical imaging. Ultimately, insights from the mission will be used to build a sustainable, cost-effective supply chain for Helium-3 sourced directly from the lunar surface.
Black Moon Energy Targets Fusion Fuel for Global Energy Needs
Black Moon Energy is targeting lunar Helium-3 as a potential solution to global energy demands, recognizing its scarcity on Earth but abundance on the Moon. The company anticipates commercially viable fusion power integrating into existing grids by the mid-2030s, offering a transformative energy source. The planned year-long robotic lunar expedition will gather critical data to enable Helium-3 production and establish a sustainable supply chain. Industry analysis suggests the fusion market could reach $40 trillion, with substantial investment already occurring—over $2.64 billion in the last year alone—highlighting the potential of this technology.
By combining Black Moon’s expertise in resource development with JPL and Caltech‘s renowned scientific and engineering capabilities, we are building the knowledge base required to power a new era of clean, abundant, and affordable energy for the entire planet.
David Warden, CEO of BMEC
Lunar Mission Aims to De-risk Helium-3 Production Operations
Black Moon Energy is planning a year-long robotic mission to the Moon to gather crucial data for future Helium-3 production. This expedition will create a “decision-quality dataset,” meaning the information collected will be detailed enough to confidently move forward with establishing operations. The company anticipates this information will be critical for de-risking the process of extracting and utilizing Helium-3, a resource abundant on the lunar surface but scarce on Earth. Beyond energy production, the mission’s data has potential uses in multiple fields. Collected information could benefit national security, quantum computing, medical imaging, and radiation detection technologies.
