Tokyo-based Ispace to launch second lunar mission with SpaceX Falcon 9 in 2025

Ispace, a lunar exploration company based in Tokyo, revealed details about its second lunar mission, SMBC x HAKUTO-R Mission 2.

The company said that a six-day launch window will begin in mid-January 2025. Along with Firefly Aerospace's Blue Ghost Mission 1, the mission will launch aboard a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket.

Like its predecessor in Mission 1, the Ispace-developed Resilience lunar lander will follow a low-energy trajectory.

With a projected lunar landing four to five months after launch, this strategy will extend its transit time to several months.

“Mission 2 represents our continued commitment to the lunar economy,” said Takeshi Hakamada, Founder & CEO of Ispace.

“Our employees, shareholders, and partners have collaborated tirelessly on the RESILIENCE lander and TENACIOUS, our lunar micro-rover. With many global organizations targeting the Moon, Ispace aims to lead in developing a sustainable lunar ecosystem. See you on the Moon!” added Hakamada.

In April 2023, Ispace's last attempt to land a spacecraft on the Moon failed when the Hakuto-R M1 lander and the UAE's Rashid rover collided with the lunar surface.

The success of the HAKUTO-R program depends on Mission 2, which has a clear plan with 10 goals, from launch to landing.

One of the most notable of these will be a lunar flyby around a month into the trip, which will make RESILIENCE the first commercial lander to carry out this maneuver.

Once it has reached lunar orbit, the lander will attempt a soft landing near Mare Frigoris (Sea of Cold) at 60.5°N, 4.6°W. This location was chosen for its communication and sun-illumination capabilities, with backup locations available to ensure mission flexibility.

After landing, the TENACIOUS micro-rover, co-funded by the Luxembourg Space Agency and made in Europe, will be used to carry out groundbreaking exploration.

Under the direction of Ispace-EUROPE, it will transport the MoonHouse payload, gather lunar regolith for NASA, and demonstrate its operational capabilities.

Mission 2 demonstrates the increasing cooperation between international organizations and private space firms, opening the door to a thriving lunar economy.

The mission's findings will further enhance Ispace's approach to future lunar exploration and commercialization.

"Ispace will continue to capitalize on our achievements during Mission 2 to lead the world in the development of the lunar economy. We hope you will join us. See you on the Moon,” said Hakamada.