Astrotech Board Approves Lunar Si-28 and He-3 Extraction for Quantum Manufacturing Initiative
ASTC•Astrotech’s Board approved a lunar industrial initiative targeting extraction of Si-28, helium-3, platinum-group metals and water ice to enable Moon-based advanced semiconductor and quantum computing manufacturing. Leveraging its SPACEHAB legacy and 250+ launch campaigns, the company will evaluate lunar silicon purification, wafer fabrication, autonomous excavation, AI computing and quantum cooling.
1. Board Approval and Initiative Overview
Astrotech’s Board of Directors has approved a strategic lunar resource and infrastructure initiative to evaluate extraction of silicon-28, helium-3, platinum-group metals and water ice for future Moon-based semiconductor and quantum manufacturing. The initiative aligns with NASA Artemis and CLPS frameworks and next-generation lunar transportation systems.
2. Key Lunar Resources
The program targets ultra-pure Si-28 for advanced semiconductor wafers and quantum computing substrates, helium-3 for cryogenic cooling applications, platinum-group metals for terrestrial industrial uses, and water ice for propellant production and life-support infrastructure on the lunar surface.
3. Infrastructure and Technology Plans
Astrotech plans to assess lunar silicon purification and isotope processing, wafer fabrication facilities, autonomous excavation and mapping systems, AI and high-performance computing platforms, and ultra-low-temperature quantum cooling equipment designed for in-situ lunar manufacturing operations.
4. Spaceflight Heritage and Strategic Positioning
Building on its operational spaceflight legacy—including 24 SPACEHAB missions and over 250 satellite launch-processing campaigns—Astrotech intends to leverage existing engineering capabilities, partnerships and technical expertise to develop scalable lunar infrastructure concepts and pursue future commercial and governmental contracts.
