#helium-3

#helium-3

In the silent vacuum of space, five autonomous robots churn through the lunar surface, digging up a loose layer of rock and dust and leaving rows of uniform tracks in their wake. Stopping only to recharge at a central solar power station, the car-sized machines process the lunar dirt internally to extract a type of helium so rare on Earth that a palm-sized container is estimated to be worth millions.

Pilot Victor Glover flew the vehicle through a variety of maneuvers primarily using Orion's 24 reaction control thrusters, demonstrating the vehicle's handling capabilities.

The moon is going nuclear. On Tuesday NASA and the U.S. Department of Energy announced a commitment to build a fission reactor on the lunar surface. NASA has been exploring nuclear power for the moon for years, but the endeavor got a boost late last year in an order from President Donald Trump to build one to ensure American space superiority. The reactor will be capable of operating for years without the need to refuel, according to NASA.