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Russia to Mine on the Moon by 2020

Posted by ScuttleMonkey on from the no-shortage-of-volunteer-workers dept.

sxmjmae writes to tell us News.com is reporting that Russia has unveiled plans to establish a permanent mining operation on the moon by 2020 in order to extract the rare isotope Helium-3. From the article: "Helium-3 is a non-radioactive isotope of helium that can be used in nuclear fusion. Rare on earth but plentiful on the moon, it is seen by some experts as an ideal fuel because it is powerful, non-polluting and generates almost no radioactive by-product."

5 of 145 comments (clear)

  1. I love russia by inter+alias · · Score: 5, Insightful

    Even if they don't make it there (I think they will), they will reinvigorate the space race. I hope.

  2. Maybe... by doctor_nation · · Score: 5, Insightful

    If the energy companies (i.e. oil) can be convinced that fusion is the next big energy source, I can see them ponying up the dollars to make this happen. Big investment up front for an even bigger possible return later on. It would certainly be easier to generate funds for doing this for business that it will be/is for scientific purposes.

  3. Great energy source! by Quiet_Desperation · · Score: 4, Insightful
    Assuming, of course, you have, like, a working fusion reactor.

    Two points for forward planning, I guess.

    Isn't there Helium-3 in the Earth's mantle? Could we go after that? Build one of them there driller vehicles.

  4. Can they use Helium-3 yet? by dannytaggart · · Score: 5, Insightful

    Do they have a working prototype of a Helium-3 power plant? I have a feeling this is an Energia propaganda piece.

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  5. Comment removed by account_deleted · · Score: 5, Insightful

    Comment removed based on user account deletion