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Interlune Unveils Details on NASA's STTR Project

Interlune, a Seattle-based natural resources company, has officially shared more information regarding its lunar trenching and excavation technology, which is being developed under a NASA Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) Phase I contract. This project is designed to advance NASA's Artemis mission goals and promote sustainable lunar operations.

The STTR funding will provide $150,000 to focus on creating analytical models, setting engineering standards, and conducting hardware tests, all aimed at refining Interlune's multipurpose excavation technology. Co-founder and CEO Rob Meyerson emphasized the need for effective excavation of lunar regolith, which is not only crucial for harvesting resources but also essential for preparing surfaces needed for the Artemis Base Camp.

This initiative is part of a broader collaboration between the public and private sectors to ensure the U.S. maintains leadership in an economy based in space. The excavation process comprises multiple stages, including extraction, sorting, and separation, and this project will primarily focus on the initial stage of excavation. Interlune plans to eventually adapt this technology for various resources, starting with Helium-3, a rare isotope found abundantly on the Moon, beneficial in fields such as quantum computing and fusion energy.

Project Components and Developments

1. Model and Analysis Development:
Interlune aims to develop physics-based analytical models to simulate system loads and overall performance. This includes assessing the excavation force, regolith throughput, and machineries’ efficiency, all the while minimizing energy use and mechanical wear. Additionally, these models will aid in establishing engineering standards specific to lunar geology.

2. Prototype Testing and Validation:
In partnership with the Colorado School of Mines, Interlune will conduct prototype testing in regolith simulations. The objective is to verify analytical models and identify risk factors such as wear and potential binding complications, subsequently informing future designs.

3. Scalability Study and Concept of Operations:
A comprehensive feasibility study will evaluate how the technology can scale from a small prototype to full deployment for Artemis missions, while also drafting a concept of operations for its various intended applications.

Interlune, staffed with experts in space systems and lunar geology, has also recently partnered with Vermeer to innovate excavation technology significantly. This partnership has produced a full-scale prototype, with plans to develop and test lunar regolith simulants at a new facility based in Houston.

Future Plans

Beyond harvesting Helium-3, the company is looking to explore additional resources, including industrial metals and water, thus facilitating a long-term human presence on the Moon and the establishment of a robust in-space economy. With a substantial fundraising achievement of $18 million and a portfolio covering half a billion dollars in helium-3 orders and government contracts, Interlune is well-positioned to become a leader in extraterrestrial resource commercialization. The STTR program itself plays a crucial role in this ecosystem by providing funding for innovative research that aligns small businesses with governmental needs, thereby fostering a collaborative approach to technological advancement in aerospace.

As Interlune looks to the stars, its vision of harvesting lunar resources for the benefit of humanity is not just a dream; it is rapidly becoming a tangible reality, with implications spanning various industries and paving the way for future space explorations.

For further updates on Interlune and its ambitious projects, follow the company on social media platforms such as LinkedIn, X, and Instagram.