Space mining of helium 3 for fusion power
Space mining would provide be a new industry space if it were profitable. One application for space mining would be helium 3 mining for fusion power and thus reduce dependence on fossil fuels.
The moon and gas giants are know to have helium 3 deposits and in combination with building a space elevator, costs to mine these material can reduce over time to affordable levels.
anonymous
shared this idea
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Ynot56
commented
Correct on the He-3 fusion. Oh but sorry to rain on your parade, that is still only like 50 years off.
The technogeek in me loves it. The economist says not now
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mamabear
commented
Space elevators? Surely you jest.
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W.Wallace
commented
Helium-3 fusion is aneutronic and produces no notable radioactive byproducts. Although solar power is an immediate solution to global warming, the space consumed by solar arrays is prohibitive--interplanetary mining of Helium-3 starting with deposits in the Lunar regolith and eventually at Saturn is the only truly sustainable long-term solution for humanity energy needs.