Japan's ispace aims for moon landing in 2024 with upgraded lander

After its launch in December 2022, the inaugural mission, transporting the Hakuto-R lander, crashed on the lunar surface in April 2023 due to a navigation error. 

The spacecraft's onboard computer inaccurately calculated the landing height, leading to the module's fatal descent.

In May, NASA's Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter (LRO) captured a comprehensive view of the impact site caused by the crash. The LRO transmitted 10 photos of the lander's landing location near the Atlas crater using its Narrow-Angle Cameras. 

Specifications of the second mission

In its second lunar landing endeavor, the company also aims to release a micro-rover for lunar surface exploration alongside the lander. This micro-rover is being developed by ispace EUROPE S.A., the company's European subsidiary.

According to the space.comreport, the current specifications of this tiny rover are approximately 10.24 inches (26 centimeters) in height, 12.4 inches (31.5 cm) in width, and 21.26 inches (54 cm) in length, with a mass of around 11 pounds (5 kilograms). 

Additionally, it will be equipped with a high-definition camera to capture images of lunar soil as it collects samples.

The first Hakuto-R lander weighed around 2,200 pounds (1,000 kg). The second mission expands on the first, incorporating improvements such as advanced software and several tweaks to eliminate malfunctions during the critical landing stages.

Ambitious plans ahead

After Mission 2, ispace has Mission 3 on the horizon, slated for launch in 2026. This mission will utilize the Apex 1.0 lunar lander, a larger spacecraft with an expected payload capacity of 1,100 pounds (500 kg). Apex 1.0 lander is part of NASA’s Commercial Lunar Payload Services (CLPS). 

“As part of CLPS CP-12, we will support NASA’s plan to transport three scientific payloads into lunar orbit and to the polar regions on the far side of the Moon,” the release mentioned. 

The company’s New Year statement also highlighted that the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI) has chosen ispace to receive a "Small Business Innovation Research" grant valued at around $80 million (12 billion yen) in October 2023. 

This subsidy is earmarked for the "development and operational demonstration of a lunar lander," establishing a cornerstone for prospective business expansion.