Interlune Partners with Maybell Quantum for Innovative Helium-3 Supply Agreement

Interlune and Maybell Quantum Form Groundbreaking Partnership for Helium-3 Supply

In a significant development in the realm of quantum computing, Interlune, a leading natural resources company, has announced a landmark agreement to become the supplier of helium-3 for Maybell Quantum. This partnership is poised to transform the landscape of quantum technologies, as it enables Maybell to advance its state-of-the-art cooling systems crucial for operating quantum devices.

Maybell Quantum, recognized for its pioneering contributions to the quantum infrastructure sector, is set to purchase thousands of liters of helium-3 annually from 2029 through 2035. This helium-3 will be integral to the functioning of Maybell’s advanced dilution refrigerators, which are vital for cooling quantum systems to temperatures that are a fraction above absolute zero.

Elevating Quantum Computing to New Heights

As we stand at the brink of a quantum revolution, the demand for helium-3 is increasing exponentially. Corban Tillemann-Dick, the founder and CEO of Maybell Quantum, articulated the vital role that helium-3 will play in this transformation: “Helium-3 will fuel a fundamental transformation in computing,” he noted. This forward-looking projection anticipates a surge in the number of quantum computers—from just a few hundred worldwide to potentially thousands in the coming years. Each of these quantum systems requires efficient cooling mechanisms, which is where Maybell’s innovation in helium-3 dilution refrigeration comes into play.

At the heart of Maybell’s capabilities is the "Big Fridge," an advanced dilution refrigerator that operates at temperatures below 10 millikelvins (mK). This system not only enhances the capacity and reliability of quantum experiments but also allows for increased qubit density, supporting three times the number of qubits in just one-tenth of the space compared to traditional systems. This significant advancement is expected to catalyze further breakthroughs in quantum technology development.

Interlune's Commitment to Helium-3 Production

Interlune is not only meeting the helium-3 demand on Earth but is also exploring innovative methods to source this precious resource from extraterrestrial locations like the Moon. The company is pioneering new technologies aimed at efficiently separating helium-3 from both terrestrial supplies and lunar regolith. The harvesting system developed by Interlune is designed to be smaller and more energy-efficient, promising reduced costs and improved operational viability during lunar missions.

This ambitious endeavor is backed by notable funding, including an $18 million venture capital seed round, a research grant from the U.S. Department of Energy’s Isotope Program, and both a NASA TechFlights grant and a National Science Foundation (NSF) SBIR Phase I award. These resources will support Interlune’s plans to undertake multiple lunar missions this decade, with the goal of establishing a sustainable industry around space resource extraction.

Real-World Initiatives and Future Aspirations

Rob Meyerson, co-founder and CEO of Interlune, expressed his enthusiasm about this partnership, stating, “We are thrilled and honored to book our first commercial order with a company delivering real-world breakthroughs on the ground every day.” This sentiment encapsulates the collaborative spirit needed to push the boundaries of technology and to prepare for a future where quantum computing becomes ubiquitous.

As Maybell Quantum and Interlune forge ahead, their work could serve as a blueprint for future projects aiming to harness the vast resources of outer space. As both companies continue to break ground in their respective fields, technology enthusiasts and industry observers alike will be closely watching their upcoming achievements, which promise to redefine the limits of quantum computing and space resource utilization.

In conclusion, the partnership between Interlune and Maybell Quantum not only marks a milestone for helium-3 procurement but also signals broader shifts toward sustainable and innovative practices within the tech industry. Together, they are poised to make profound impacts in computing and the responsible utilization of space resources for humanity’s benefit.