ANSWERS: 1
  • Scientists like Gerald Kulcinski and astronauts such as Harrison Schmitt have been big advocates for mining helium-3 from the moon. But what is helium-3, and why is it being touted as the perfect energy source? Because a helium-3 reaction has all the qualities most of the world's current energy sources don't.

    Helium-3

    Helium-3 is an a type of isotope that is produced mainly by the sun. Unlike the helium we use on Earth to blow up birthday balloons, which has two neutrons and two protons, helium-3 has only 1 neutron and two protons. When helium-3 reacts with the hydrogen isotope deuterium, they create energy--a lot of energy.

    Amount of Energy

    Gerald Kulcinski estimates that there is approximately 1 million metric tons of helium-3 on the moon. One million metric tons of helium-3 would create around 10 times the amount of energy we could get from mining every single one of Earth's fossil fuels.

    Helium-3 is Non-Polluting.

    Unlike Earth's fossil fuels, helium-3 creates no carbon monoxide, smog, acid rain or other pollution.

    Helium-3 Creates Almost No Radioactive By-products.

    Many nuclear fusion reactions create serious radioactive by-products that have both long- and short-term effects on humans, animals and plants. A helium-3 reaction with deuterium creates virtually no by-products.

    The Problem with Helium-3

    The biggest problem with using helium-3 as an energy source is getting it to Earth, where it is only created as a byproduct of some nuclear weapons in very small amounts. Although large amounts can be found on the moon, financial backing from governments or private industry will have to be found before helium-3 can actually be mined from the moon and brought back to earth to use as an energy source.

    Source:

    Artemis Project: Lunar Helium-3 as an Energy Source

    Space.com: Researchers and Space Enthusiasts See Helium-3 as the Perfect Fuel Source

    More Information:

    Wired: Race to the Moon for Nuclear Fuel

    Popular Mechanics: Mining the Moon

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