Vermeer and Interlune Unveil All-Electric Lunar Excavator for Helium-3 Mining
The full-scale prototype processes 100 metric tons of regolith per hour to support a future lunar economy.
Industrial equipment manufacturer Vermeer and space startup Interlune have unveiled a full-scale prototype of an all-electric lunar excavator. The machine is designed to secure critical resources and build infrastructure, marking a significant step toward a permanent human presence on the Moon.
The excavator is engineered to ingest and process 100 metric tons of lunar regolith—the layer of loose rocky material covering the Moon's surface—every hour. The primary objective is the extraction of helium-3, a rare isotope essential for medical imaging, quantum computing, and the development of future fusion reactors. The two companies have expanded their strategic partnership to transition from this prototype phase to scalable systems, with the goal of deploying a mission-ready tool by 2028.
The Race for Lunar Resources
Interlune was founded by Harrison Schmitt, an Apollo 17 astronaut, and Rob Meyerson, the former president of Blue Origin. The venture is supported by funding from the National Science Foundation (NSF), the U.S. Department of Energy, and NASA. This effort is part of a broader international competition to secure lunar resources; for instance, Japan's Komatsu is also developing its own electric lunar excavators.
The drive for lunar mining is fueled by the extreme scarcity of helium on Earth. Because the isotope is critical for high-tech applications, the ability to harvest it from the lunar surface represents a strategic shift in how Earth manages critical supply chains for quantum and medical technologies.
Building a Lunar Economy
Beyond the extraction of helium-3, the project introduces a specialized excavation technology known as SILT. This system is designed for more than just mining; it provides the heavy-duty capabilities required to construct roads, radiation berms, and base camps. These infrastructure projects are vital components of NASA's Artemis program, which seeks to establish a sustainable human presence on the lunar surface.
"Reliable, autonomous mobility and heavy-duty excavation are the backbones of any permanent settlement on the Moon," said Rob Meyerson, co-founder and CEO of Interlune.
Future Outlook
As the partnership moves toward 2028, the focus will shift from the current full-scale prototype to the creation of scalable systems capable of operating in the harsh lunar environment. While the prototype demonstrates the technical feasibility of processing 100 metric tons of material per hour, the next phase requires rigorous testing to ensure the all-electric system can withstand lunar temperatures and abrasive dust. The success of the SILT technology will likely determine the pace at which the Artemis program can transition from temporary visits to permanent lunar habitation.