Chapter 1: Lunar Exploration Breakthrough

The recent confirmation of a transparent crystal known as Changesite-(Y) marks the sixth new mineral identified on the Moon. This discovery, made by Chinese scientists, suggests that Changesite-(Y) could potentially serve as a future fusion fuel.

China's Chang’e lunar missions have revitalized interest in space exploration. Not only did they achieve the remarkable feat of landing on the far side of the Moon, but they have also made significant scientific discoveries that have captured global attention. These missions have firmly established China as a key player in the arena of space exploration.

In early 2021, a member of the Chang’e 4 team observed a peculiar crater through the rover's main camera, revealing a gel-like material with an unusual color and sheen. This unprecedented find has spurred extensive discussions among astronomers. The Chang’e-5 robotic lunar mission has gone beyond merely identifying water on the Martian surface, contributing to our understanding of the Moon’s geology.

According to reports from Chinese state media, scientists have confirmed the presence of a new mineral found within lunar basalt samples. This mineral is characterized by its columnar structure, colorlessness, and semi-transparent quality. Named after the lunar mission that unearthed it, Changesite-(Y) is classified as a phosphate mineral.

This video outlines how China has unveiled a new mineral, Changesite-(Y), discovered from lunar samples, showcasing its significance and implications for future energy sources.

Chapter 2: The Significance of Changesite-(Y)

The monumental discovery was shared by the China National Space Administration and the China Atomic Energy Authority. The International Mineralogical Association has verified and classified this find as a new mineral. Notably, the Chang’e 5 mission is the first lunar project to return lunar rock samples since 1976, with the mineral in question being a single crystal particle measuring roughly 10 microns in radius.

What makes this find particularly fascinating is that Changesite-(Y) contains the Helium-3 isotope, which is considered a potential energy source for the future. Helium-3 is believed to offer significant possibilities for nuclear fusion energy.

“Analyzing lunar soil and rock compositions and investigating nuclear science are strategic objectives of China’s Lunar Exploration Project.”

~ CNNC Press Release

On a theoretical level, a fusion reaction involving deuterium and helium-3 could release 164.3 megawatt-hours of energy for every gram of helium-3, without generating any nuclear waste. However, managing such reactions presents considerable challenges, as substantial energy would be required to operate the necessary technology.

While this marks the first time China has reported discovering a new mineral on the Moon, the United States and Russia have previously made similar announcements. Nonetheless, this discovery accelerates the push for lunar mining, with estimates suggesting that approximately 1.1 million metric tons of helium-3 could be available, as reported by the International Policy Digest.

Both the U.S. and China are striving to establish lunar research stations, with the U.S. pursuing its Artemis missions and China planning its Chang’E 6, 7, and 8 missions. These initiatives aim for lunar landings between 2024 and 2025. The establishment of lunar mining operations would require substantial investment and cooperative efforts, especially considering the Outer Space Treaty prohibits any nation from claiming sovereignty over the Moon.

This video discusses the discovery of Changesite-(Y), a new mineral on the Moon, highlighting its implications for future energy strategies and lunar exploration.