“The system is almost ready. It runs on electricity and doesn’t need fuel, so it will be small and easy to set up,” said the researchers in Aerospace Shanghai. Their main aim is to get helium-3 to help with Earth’s energy problems. This could also help develop space mining, big rockets, and artificial intelligence.
Helium-3 is a type of helium that could be a great, clean fuel for nuclear fusion. Just 20 tonnes of it could power China for a whole year. The moon has a lot more helium-3 than Earth – enough to power the world for a very long time.
The researchers haven’t said how they will get the helium or how it will come back to Earth. The system they want to use has a big rotating arm and a special motor. They hope to finish all the important parts by 2030 and have everything running by 2045.
Vocabulary List:
- Helium-3 /ˈhiːliəm-θriː/ (noun): A rare isotope of helium that is considered a potential fuel for nuclear fusion.
- Electricity /ɪˌlɛkˈtrɪs.ɪ.ti/ (noun): A form of energy resulting from the flow of electric charge.
- Nuclear Fusion /ˈnjuː.klɪər ˈfjuː.ʒən/ (noun): A nuclear reaction in which atomic nuclei combine to form a heavier nucleus releasing energy.
- Rotating /roʊˈteɪtɪŋ/ (adjective): Turning or revolving around an axis.
- System /ˈsɪs.təm/ (noun): A set of principles or procedures according to which something is done; an organized scheme or method.
- Develop /dɪˈvɛləp/ (verb): To grow or cause to grow and become more mature advanced or elaborate.
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