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US manufacturer sets its sights on the moon, where it hopes to mine helium
Vermeer says helium-3 could power fusion and quantum computing, and Jason Andringa said the first harvest could come in four to six years.
- Following the successful Artemis mission, Pella, Iowa-based Vermeer Corp. announced plans to mine helium-three on the moon using machines similar to those currently deployed globally.
- Vermeer CEO Jason Andringa cited helium-three's value of "$25 million per kilogram," noting it is critical for Earth. Solar winds deplete the gas from our atmosphere, making the moon the only viable source.
- Applications for the gas include medical imaging, cryogenics for computing, and quantum computing. Andringa emphasized helium-three's potential as the primary fuel source required for future nuclear fusion energy needs.
- Lunar access is expected to improve within four to six years using American-built rockets, including SpaceX's Starship and Blue Origin's New Glenn, critical infrastructure for transporting mining equipment.
- Jolie Pelds, director of STEM innovation at the Science Center of Iowa, described the project as a natural evolution in space exploration. Increasing interest in moon missions reveals new economic opportunities for private industry.
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Total News Sources14
Leaning Left1Leaning Right0Center13Last UpdatedBias Distribution93% Center
Bias Distribution
- 93% of the sources are Center
93% Center
C 93%
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