Lunar Helium-3: Mining Concepts, Extraction Research, and Potential ISRU Synergies

View Video Presentation: https://doi.org/10.2514/6.2021-4237.vid This paper describes various methods and designs specifically proposed for mining helium-3, and summarizes the methods, results and potential implications of recent research on helium extraction from lunar regolith simulant. This paper also touches on the potential synergy of lunar propellant production with helium-3 mining and some of the recent advancements in fusion technology related to future helium-3 fueled fusion reactors.