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Helium-3 (He-3) is a light, non-radioactive isotope of helium with two protons and one neutron (common helium having two neutrons).[1]

Background[]

He-3 is used as fuel for fusion reaction engines of starships.

Extraction from Extraterrestrial Sources[]

Materials on the Moon's surface contain Helium-3, with higher concentrations in permanently shadowed regions. Exploration of the moon and mining lunar regolith, piggybacked onto larger mining and development operations provided initial He-3 supplies.

Mining of He-3 was subsequently expanded to the gas giants in the solar system as well as Kuiper Belt objects. One such mining operation in the Kuiper Belt is located on Bunuel.[2]

References[]

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