In one decade, Russia has recovered from the abyss of economic depression to become one of the world's strongest economies, primarily due to the increased demand for natural resources such as oil. Because Russia's economy is so heavily dependent on exporting these resources, their vested interest to begin harvesting helium, helium-3 to be exact, may well be a necessity. Once harvested, helium-3 isotopes will literally change the world. Helium-3 is a powerful element that could make fossil fuels become, I'll say, "antiquated." Now underway, this endeavor is so globally mammoth, it could potentially bring us to a new age when it comes to fruition in the next 30 years, and appears Russia may be leading the way.

Helium has two stable isotopes. The first is the one most people think of when they think of helium. It is the one that changes our voices, puts lifts in balloons and keeps blimps floating in the air.

The second stable isotope is helium-3 which is extremely rare in our atmosphere. It is a variant of helium that is missing a neutron created through the process of nuclear fusion.

On earth, it is believed there is about 20 pounds of helium-3, but on the moon, it is overflowing. The sun naturally does the nuclear fusion for us, and the solar winds carry the helium through space until it rests in places such as the moon, Uranus, and other planets. Now, it's up to us to go get it. Russia is one of the few countries that is doing just that.

Beginning this year, construction begins on ITER (International Thermonuclear Experimental Reactor) in Cadarache in the South of France. The participants for the reactor are: USA, Russia, The European Union, Japan, The People's Republic of China, India, and The Public of Korea.

The ITER's web site states the programmatic goal of ITER is "to demonstrate the scientific and technological feasibility of fusion power for peaceful purposes".

Within their technical goals, helium-3, will be part of the fusion testing at ITER. And, it's possible Russia will be the first country to transport helium-3 back to earth.

RSC Energia has committed to Roscosmos they will develop a transportation system to connect the earth and the moon by 2020.

Here is an overview of what is projected to transpire in the next thirty years:

- The nuclear reactor will be built

-Unmanned space craft will be sent to the moon to gather information

-Manned flights will circle the moon

-Representatives

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