Bluefors to source helium-3 from the Moon with Interlune to power next phase of quantum industry growth
Bluefors, the world’s leading manufacturer of dilution refrigerators, has entered into a groundbreaking partnership with space resources company Interlune. Interlune’s first-of-its-kind helium-3 harvesting missions to the Moon will supply a critical element for powering quantum computers. The collaboration unites advanced cryogenics with lunar harvesting innovation to accelerate quantum computing and establish a secure, resilient industrial supply chain.
SEATTLE and HELSINKI, Sept. 16, 2025 — Bluefors, the world leader in cryogenic cooling systems for quantum technology, has agreed to purchase up to 10,000 liters of helium-3 annually, for delivery from 2028 to 2037. The helium-3 will be supplied by natural resources company Interlune, the first company to commercialize resources in space and a pioneer of technologies to harvest helium-3 from the Moon.
Unlike Earth, which is protected by its magnetic field, the Moon contains substantial quantities of helium-3 deposited by the solar wind — a fact revealed through samples returned during NASA’s Apollo missions. Helium-3 is rare on Earth but relatively abundant on the lunar surface, and it is a valuable material for advanced technologies. Quantum computing is expected to drive rapid innovation in medicine, finance, chemistry, AI, and cybersecurity, increasing demand for this critical gas.
“Interlune will provide the huge amounts of helium-3 that the quantum industry needs in the coming years to drive innovation, commercialization, and progress forward,” said Bluefors founder and CEO Rob Blaauwgeers. “Sourcing abundant helium-3 from the Moon helps Bluefors build cooling technologies that will unlock the potential of quantum computing even further. The quantum future is built on Bluefors cooling technology, and Interlune is now a vital partner in that future.”
Bluefors is building the industrial supply chain critical for accelerating quantum technology
As one of the world’s largest consumers of helium-3, Bluefors uses it in cryogenic measurement systems for quantum technology, physics research, and medical and life sciences applications. These systems provide the extremely low temperatures (under 10 millikelvin) required for the operation and stability of qubits in quantum computers. Recent breakthroughs from companies such as Google, IBM, Intel, Amazon, and Microsoft suggest widespread commercial adoption of quantum computing is approaching, and demand for helium-3 is expected to rise sharply.
Bluefors leads the market with the most extensive installed base worldwide, having delivered over 1,500 dilution refrigerators and more than 15,000 cryocoolers. This agreement will help secure a stable, scalable supply of critical resources for the quantum industry.
“A majority of the quantum technology industry relies on Bluefors systems to operate and accelerate development. This agreement is another example of the foresight and vision that have made Bluefors the leader in their field. We are excited to help Bluefors continue advancing companies toward unlocking scientific and medical discoveries made possible only by near-absolute-zero temperatures,” said Rob Meyerson, Interlune co-founder and CEO.
Interlune’s lunar harvester is designed to be smaller, lighter, and more energy-efficient than other concepts, making it less expensive to transport to the Moon and to operate there. The company’s technology also applies on Earth, enabling efficient separation of helium-3 from terrestrial gas supplies. Interlune has contracts with U.S. government agencies and multiple lunar missions planned this decade. Over time, Interlune intends to harvest additional resources — including industrial metals, rare earth elements, and water — to support a long-term presence on the Moon and a robust in-space economy.
About Bluefors
Bluefors is the world leader in manufacturing cryogenic measurement systems, cryocoolers and other cryogenic products for quantum technology, fundamental physics research, and selected industries such as medical and life sciences. The company delivers reliable, versatile, and easy-to-operate systems under the Bluefors and Cryomech brands and supports universities, research institutes, and corporations globally. Bluefors – Cool for Progress. bluefors.com
About Interlune
Interlune is a privately funded natural resources company committed to sustainable and responsible harvesting of resources from space. Based in Seattle and founded in 2020, Interlune developed patent-pending technology that harvests materials from lunar regolith using small, energy-efficient machinery. The company aims to offer lunar-derived resources to commercial and government customers and to establish an in-space economy. Follow Interlune on LinkedIn, X, and Instagram: interlune.space
For additional information: Media kit with pictures
Media contacts
Bluefors:
Ingela Waismaa
Director – Marketing and Communications, Bluefors
+358 9 5617 4848
Interlune:
Media inquiries: see interlune.space
Source: Interlune