Is this stuff really a viable fuel for nuclear fushion and if so could this eventually lead to an economic reason to colonize the moon?

I saw where the cost was about $2,000 per liter. That hardly seems like it could work from cost standpoint, but wouldn't the price go up if it could become an energy staple.

Also, what about the by-products. What sort of waste does it produce and how would that compare to the nuclear waste we generate in our reactions today?

If we hadn't killed our space exploration, helium -3 could literally pull a profit in mining it from the moon.
I have a feeling China and Russia in a joint venture will most likely beat us to it in the next few decades.Though, it isn't like it is in only one place, its all over the moons surface.

Quote from: Dan on November 09, 2011, 02:29:46 PM
I saw where the cost was about $2,000 per liter. That hardly seems like it could work from cost standpoint, but wouldn't the price go up if it could become an energy staple.

Also, what about the by-products. What sort of waste does it produce and how would that compare to the nuclear waste we generate in our reactions today?

Hmmmm...Would not 3He-3He be the next step in fusion?

I also read it was abundant in the gas giant planets as well. Something for future generations to look forward to using.

Quote from: Dan on November 09, 2011, 02:18:52 PM
Is this stuff really a viable fuel for nuclear fushion and if so could this eventually lead to an economic reason to colonize the moon?

Looking at the Wikipedia article - link - the big advantage of a He3+He3 reaction seems to be that it doesn't produce neutrons. That's certainly a plus but apparently He3 fusion's tougher to manage then deuterium+deuterium fusion which we're still pretty far from taming.

Medium term I think some of the advanced fission designs, and possibly thorium-fueled reactors, are really the direction we're going to have to head.