Chinese scientists have made a significant discovery on the moon’s near side—a rare lunar crystal with the potential to provide limitless power through nuclear fusion. The crystal, composed of a previously unknown material, contains a key ingredient for nuclear fusion, which harnesses the same energy sources as the Sun and other stars. This remarkable find was made during China’s lunar mission in December 2020, marking the country’s third discovery of a new lunar mineral after the United States and the former Soviet Union. The crystal, named Changesite-(Y) by the Beijing Research Institute of Uranium Geology, is transparent and about as wide as a human hair. It formed in a region of the moon that was volcanically active approximately 1.2 billion years ago.
One of the vital components within the crystal is helium-3, a rare element on Earth but seemingly abundant on the moon. Scientists believe that helium-3 could serve as a stable fuel source for nuclear fusion reactors. China plans to embark on its next moon mission, Chang’e 6, in 2024, aiming to collect samples from the moon’s far side, which is never visible from Earth.
While the potential of this fuel source is promising, the logistics and costs associated with bringing the crystals back to Earth pose significant challenges. The financial estimates for utilizing this fuel source are still premature. However, helium-3 is known for producing less radiation and nuclear waste compared to other elements used in nuclear fission, the process employed in current nuclear power plants. Fusion reactions, which occur naturally in stars, could provide a safer and more efficient alternative. This discovery has sparked interest from various private companies and countries with space agencies, as they recognize the value and potential of mining helium-3 on the moon.
