Russian scientists have calculated approximate content of helium isotope ³He in the moon soil, as well as thought over possibilities for commercial production of this fuel.
      
      Scientists have great interest in ³He, since this isotope is regarded as “fuel of the future” for ecologically friendly thermonuclear reaction. ³He-based power engineering requires stock of the isotope, which can be found on Earth’s natural satellite. Helium is concentrated in lunar soil (regolith) due to millions of years of particle bombardment by solar wind.
      
      Results of the experiment show that atoms (including helium), “inserted” to regolith by solar wind, return to the vast nothingness of space. However, the majority of said atoms remains in the lunar soil. Researchers also discovered that different minerals have different ability to capture ³He.
      
      Researchers recommend to consider their results during estimations of content and isotopic composition of helium in lunar soil, as well as during ³He prospecting works and developing technologies for its extraction.
      
      Source: Science News