Key Highlights:

• NASA is funding new technologies to extract resources from lunar soil.
• The agency awarded $6.9 million to Seattle-based Interlune.
• The project focuses on in-situ resource utilization or ISRU.
• The goal is to support long-duration Moon and Mars missions.

NASA is advancing technologies that could allow astronauts to extract and use resources directly from the Moon. The move aims to reduce dependence on Earth for supplies and support long-duration missions to deep space.

The agency has awarded a $6.9 million contract to Interlune, a Seattle-based company. The funding will support the development of tools that can identify and extract valuable materials from lunar soil, also known as regolith. This effort is part of NASA’s broader push to enable sustainable exploration of the Moon and eventually Mars.

What is ISRU and why does it matter?

In-situ resource utilization, or ISRU, refers to using materials already available on other planetary bodies. Instead of transporting everything from Earth, astronauts can rely on local resources like water ice, gases, and minerals.

This approach could transform space missions. It can support life systems, produce fuel, and generate energy directly on the Moon. It also reduces mission costs and complexity.

NASA sees ISRU as a key building block for its Artemis program, which aims to establish a long-term human presence on the lunar surface.

What will Interlune build under NASA’s contract?

Interlune will design and test advanced tools that can collect and analyze lunar soil. These tools will sort particles, extract gases, and measure their composition.

The system focuses on capturing volatile gases from the Moon’s surface. These include hydrogen and helium-3, which are considered valuable for future energy and propulsion systems.

The payload will include a mass spectrometer that measures gas concentrations. This instrument is inspired by NASA’s existing MSOLO technology.

How MSOLO technology plays a key role

MSOLO, short for Mass Spectrometer Observing Lunar Operations, is a compact instrument developed at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center. It analyzes gases released from lunar soil and studies the chemical makeup of landing sites.

The technology has already been tested in lunar conditions. It demonstrated its capabilities during the Intuitive Machines 2 mission to the Moon’s south pole in 2025.

Now, its design is being adapted for commercial use. Interlune will build on this foundation to create flight-ready hardware.

MSOLO also includes onboard processing and a calibration system. This allows it to adjust readings directly on the lunar surface, improving accuracy.

Why NASA is working with private companies

NASA is increasingly collaborating with private companies to speed up innovation. The Interlune contract is part of the Small Business Innovation Research program, which helps startups bring new technologies to market.

This Phase III award focuses on transitioning proven concepts into real missions. It builds on earlier work where Interlune tested prototypes in simulated lunar gravity using parabolic flights.

By partnering with industry, NASA aims to scale technologies faster. It also opens the door for commercial lunar missions.

How this supports Artemis and future exploration

The Artemis program aims to establish a sustainable human presence on the Moon. Resource extraction plays a critical role in that vision.

If astronauts can produce fuel, oxygen, or energy from lunar materials, missions can last longer and travel farther. This capability is also essential for future missions to Mars.

NASA’s investment in ISRU tools helps reduce reliance on Earth-based supply chains. It also enables more flexible mission planning.

What comes next for lunar resource development?

Interlune will now move into building and testing engineering units and flight hardware. The goal is to validate these technologies for real lunar missions.

At the same time, NASA is expanding opportunities for other small businesses. Its SBIR and STTR programs are adopting a new framework to attract more participants.

The agency has opened applications for new technology proposals. These efforts aim to accelerate innovation across the space industry.

Why this matters now

As global interest in lunar exploration grows, resource utilization is becoming a priority. Countries and private companies are racing to develop technologies that can unlock the Moon’s potential. NASA’s latest investment signals a shift toward practical, scalable solutions. By enabling resource extraction, the agency is laying the groundwork for sustainable exploration. In the long run, these technologies could reshape how humans live and work beyond Earth.

Conclusion

NASA is moving closer to a future where astronauts can live off the land in space. By funding lunar resource technologies, the agency is building the foundation for long-term missions on the Moon and beyond.