The Commercial Passenger Transport: Precursor to Routine Travel between the Earth and the Moon

Helium reservoirs in iron nanoparticles on the lunar surface

“…In comparison to Earth-where total helium-3 reserves amount to less than 10 kg or 5 parts per trillion-the Moon's surface soil contains a relatively high concentration due to the implantation of this isotope by the solar wind, a stream of charged particles released from the Sun's corona. The average 4 He/ 3 He ratio of the solar wind is 2350 ± 120 2 . Conservative estimates of helium-3 concentrations in lunar soil are 3.7 parts per billion in highland areas and 7.8 parts per billion in maria 3 .…”

“…Conservative estimates of helium-3 concentrations in lunar soil are 3.7 parts per billion in highland areas and 7.8 parts per billion in maria 3 . As global demand for helium-3 continues to rise, the Moon represents a potential reservoir to supply both Earth and the future cislunar economy 1,4 . Characterizing the nature and distribution of helium-3 represents an important milestone toward realizing this future, and such efforts also serve to constrain the Moon's surface evolution over time, including how valuable helium-3 reservoirs develop in the first place by space weathering.…”