The U.S. and China are racing to return to the Moon, targeting 2028 and 2030, amid a push for both scientific exploration and valuable lunar resources.

Companies are eyeing helium-3, a rare isotope on Earth that could fuel nuclear reactors or cool quantum computers, with Interlune signing a potential $300 million deal to supply up to 10,000 liters.

Harvesting helium-3 is technically challenging, requiring massive excavation of lunar regolith and costly equipment, but private and state interests continue to push lunar commercialization.

Other resources, like water ice, are also critical for drinking water, oxygen, and rocket fuel, making lunar bases more sustainable, Futurism has reported.

While companies and nations plan to exploit these resources, practical lunar economies and reliable fusion energy remain distant prospects.