Interlune Secures NASA Funding to Advance Lunar Excavation Tech for Artemis Base Camp
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A Seattle-based natural resources company, Interlune, is poised to play a critical role in establishing a sustainable presence on the Moon, having recently secured a $150,000 NASA Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) Phase I contract. This funding will accelerate the development and validation of innovative lunar excavation capabilities, essential for both resource extraction and the construction of NASA’s Artemis Base Camp.
The project, announced on February 4, 2026, focuses on developing analytical models, engineering standards, and testing hardware for Interlune’s multipurpose lunar trenching and excavation technology. This initiative directly supports the Space Technology Mission Directorate’s (STMD) long-term lunar sustainability goals and the broader objectives of the Artemis missions.
Revolutionizing Lunar Excavation
Interlune is partnering with the Colorado School of Mines to tackle the significant challenges of lunar excavation. Current methods are often energy-intensive and generate substantial dust, posing risks to equipment and astronaut health. The company aims to drastically reduce tractive force, power consumption, and dust generation compared to traditional trench-digging techniques.
“We need to be great at excavating large quantities of lunar regolith, and that translates well to surface preparation activities needed at Artemis Base Camp,” stated Rob Meyerson, Interlune co-founder and CEO. “This award is yet another example of how industry and government are working together to develop essential capabilities for U.S. leadership in an in-space economy.”
A Four-Step Approach to Lunar Resources
Interlune’s overall harvesting system is built around four core processes: excavating, sorting, extracting, and separating. This project specifically addresses the initial, and arguably most crucial, step: excavation. The company plans to initially focus on harvesting helium-3, a rare isotope on Earth but abundant on the Moon, driven by increasing demand from the quantum computing industry, as well as applications in weapons detection, medical imaging, and fusion energy.
However, Interlune’s ambitions extend far beyond helium-3. The technology is designed to be adaptable for extracting a wide range of lunar resources, including industrial metals, rare Earth elements, and even rocket propellants, ultimately supporting a self-sufficient lunar economy.
Project Scope and Key Deliverables
The NASA-funded project encompasses three key areas of development:
- Model and Analysis Development: Physics-based analytical models will be created to predict system performance, optimizing excavation force, regolith throughput, and minimizing wear-and-tear on machinery. These models will also contribute to the establishment of standardized lunar geological engineering practices.
- Prototype Testing and Validation: Interlune will rigorously test a prototype excavator in simulated lunar regolith at the Colorado School of Mines. This testing will validate the analytical models and identify potential risks, such as wear and binding.
- Scalability Study and Concept of Operations (ConOps): A feasibility study will assess the technology’s scalability for large-scale Artemis applications. Interlune will also develop a detailed ConOps outlining how the technology will be deployed in various lunar scenarios.
Building on Existing Partnerships and Expertise
Interlune has already established a strong foundation through a partnership with Vermeer, a leading manufacturer of excavation equipment. A full-scale prototype excavator, developed in collaboration with Vermeer, was unveiled last May. Furthermore, the company is investing in its own research capabilities, with plans to open a regolith simulant research center in Houston last September.
The company boasts a team of experienced professionals with backgrounds in space systems, large-scale systems integration, and lunar geology. Interlune has already secured over $18 million in funding and boasts over $500 million in helium-3 purchase orders and government contracts, demonstrating strong investor and governmental confidence.
The Future of Lunar Resource Utilization
The development of efficient and sustainable lunar excavation technology is paramount to realizing the long-term vision of a permanent human presence on the Moon. Interlune’s work, supported by NASA’s STTR program, represents a significant step towards unlocking the vast potential of lunar resources and establishing a thriving in-space economy.
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