Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) is going to find the possibilities to mine Helium-3 on the southern end of the Moon, to meet its energy requirements.
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Rising Earth view by Apollo 8 astronauts from behind the Moon
Apollo 8 crewmember Bill Anders |
Several Space Organizations of the world in private and public sector are showing mining interests on the surface of the moon. They are finding the possibilities to store Helium-3 and the water available on the Moon until a reactor is built there. The ISRO sources revealed that India is fully ready for the project and not only wants to be a part of this process but also desires to lead the mission.
ISRO is likely to launch a Rover and Probe Mission in October 2018, to collect the samples of soil and sand on the unexplored areas of the Moon. These samples would be subjected to detailed analysis and research back home.
The present Indian Mission is much cheaper than the similar project undertaken by NASA. He total cost of the Indian Project is merely 800 Crore in Indian Rupees or approximately $ 11.5 Million.
Without any protection, the surface of the Moon is believed to be absorbing Helium for millions of years.
The experts are of the view that the present quantity of Helium-3 on the Moon is sufficient to meet the global energy needs for 250 years.
What is Helium-3
The presence of Helium-3 on the surface of the Moon was declared by the eminent geologist Harrison Shimet in 1972, after the return of Apollo 17 Mission from the Moon.
Helium-3 is a clean and precious fuel for nuclear reactions. It could not be found on earth. The sufficient amount of mining of Helium-3 from the Moon and the cheap transportation of the same to earth could be an attractive alternative for nuclear reactors.
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