Is Helium 3 Mining on the Moon Still a Viable Power Source?

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Helium-3 mining on the Moon remains a topic of interest, despite previous hype. Current challenges in achieving successful deuterium-tritium fusion make it a distant goal. Investment in fusion research, particularly with projects like ITER, indicates ongoing commitment to the technology. Success at ITER could lead to increased funding for fusion initiatives, while failure may dampen government support. Overall, the pursuit of fusion power is likely to continue, regardless of potential setbacks.
houlahound
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There was once hype about mining this on the moon. Still a thing being considered?
 
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Still a thing, yes. Also still a pipe dream since we can't even get d-t fusion to work yet.
 
Do you think fusion power research will be abandoned ever as people will just give up?
 
Not at all. We are spending billions on ITER after all.
 
However, ITER will be a big turning point. If it is successful, then fusion funding might see an upsurge. If not, well, people aren't necessarily going to give up, but I don't expect governments to be very supportive in their funding.
 
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For simple comparison, I think the same thought process can be followed as a block slides down a hill, - for block down hill, simple starting PE of mgh to final max KE 0.5mv^2 - comparing PE1 to max KE2 would result in finding the work friction did through the process. efficiency is just 100*KE2/PE1. If a mousetrap car travels along a flat surface, a starting PE of 0.5 k th^2 can be measured and maximum velocity of the car can also be measured. If energy efficiency is defined by...

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