Fusion Power from Lunar Resources

Abstract

The moon contains an enormous energy source in ³He deposited by the solar wind. Fusion of only 100 kg of ³He with deuterium in thermonuclear fusion power plants can produce > 1000 MW(electric) of electrical energy, and the lunar resource base is estimated at 1 × 10⁹ kg of ³He. This fuel can supply > 1000 yr of terrestrial electrical energy demand. The methods for extracting this fuel and the other solar wind volatiles are described. Alternate uses of D-³He fusion in direct thrust rockets will enable more ambitious deep-space missions to be conducted. The capability of extracting hydrogen, water, nitrogen, and other carbon-containing molecules will open up the moon to a much greater level of human settlement than previously thought.