Interlune Secures $5M to Advance Lunar Mining for Helium-3

Seattle-based space startup partners with Astrolab to map moon's valuable helium-3 deposits

Jan. 29, 2026 at 1:23pm

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Interlune, a Seattle-based space company founded by veterans of the industry, has raised $5 million in a SAFE funding round to support its mission of extracting and delivering helium-3 from the moon. The company plans to partner with Astrolab to launch a multispectral camera to the lunar surface this summer, which will help identify areas rich in the valuable isotope. Helium-3 has numerous applications, including powering future fusion reactors and cooling quantum computers, making it a highly sought-after resource.

Why it matters

The successful development of lunar mining capabilities could transform the global energy landscape, providing a clean and virtually limitless energy source through helium-3-fueled fusion reactors. Additionally, the extraction of other lunar resources like rare earth elements and water ice could enable a self-sustaining lunar economy and support future space exploration and habitation.

The details

Interlune is taking a phased approach to accessing lunar resources, starting with mapping helium-3 deposits. The company has already secured contracts with key players like Bluefors, the U.S. Air Force, the Department of Energy, and Maybell Quantum Industries, demonstrating significant demand for lunar-sourced helium-3. Beyond helium-3, the moon holds a wealth of other potentially valuable resources, including rare earth elements and water ice.

  • Interlune was founded in 2020.
  • The multispectral camera is slated for launch this summer, currently scheduled for July 2026.
  • Interlune aims to begin delivering helium-3 within the next few years, contingent on successful mission outcomes.

The players

Interlune

A Seattle-based space company founded by veterans of the industry, including Rob Meyerson (formerly of Blue Origin), Gary Lai (Blue Origin's New Shepard architect), and Apollo 17 astronaut Harrison Schmitt.

Astrolab

A partner of Interlune that will be launching a multispectral camera to the lunar surface this summer to help identify areas rich in helium-3.

Bluefors

A leading provider of cryogenic cooling systems for quantum computers, and a key partner of Interlune.

U.S. Air Force

A government agency that has contracted with Interlune, demonstrating the demand for lunar-sourced helium-3.

Department of Energy

A government agency that has contracted with Interlune, demonstrating the demand for lunar-sourced helium-3.

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What they’re saying

“The race to unlock the moon's resources is on. Interlune, with its experienced team and strategic partnerships, is positioned to be a key player in this new space economy.”

— Samantha Carter, Editor-in-Chief, Newsy-Today.com (Newsy-Today.com)

What’s next

Interlune's multispectral camera is scheduled to launch to the lunar surface in July 2026, which will help the company identify and map helium-3 deposits on the moon. If successful, Interlune aims to begin delivering helium-3 to its partners within the next few years.

The takeaway

The development of lunar mining capabilities, particularly for resources like helium-3, could have transformative implications for the global energy landscape and enable a self-sustaining lunar economy to support future space exploration and habitation. Interlune's progress in this area, with its experienced team and strategic partnerships, highlights the growing viability of commercial space resource extraction.