What is Helium-3 and could we get it from the moon? Lancaster University's lab holds a small but crucial supply of this rare gas, used in quantum computing and nuclear fusion. But the real treasure might be on the lunar surface. Entrepreneurs like Interlune plan to mine the stuff by 2027.

Back on Earth, scientists use helium-3 for groundbreaking physics experiments, including detecting dark matter particles. When mixed with its cheaper cousin, helium-4, it can create the coldest temperatures in the universe, essential for quantum computers.

Finding enough of this gas won’t be easy; estimates suggest processing vast amounts of moon dust just to get a kilogram. But if successful, lunar Helium-3 could revolutionise clean energy and computing. Companies are racing towards the celestial frontier, hoping to mine Earth's only known helium-3 supplier: the moon.