Historic Milestone: U.S. Department of Energy to Acquire Helium-3 from Lunar Source
On May 7, 2025, a landmark agreement was reached when the U.S. Department of Energy Isotope Program (DOE IP) announced its intent to procure helium-3 from Interlune, a pioneering natural resources company. This monumental purchase involves the acquisition of three liters of helium-3 that will be harvested from the Moon's surface and delivered to Earth by 2029. The significance of this transaction cannot be overstated; it marks the first instance of a U.S. government entity purchasing a natural resource extracted from celestial bodies.