The Japanese startup Ispace has postponed its lunar mission until 2030
The Japanese space company Ispace has postponed the launch of a U.S.-funded lunar mission until 2030.
This was reported by The Japan Times.
The company explained that it will coordinate the development of the landing module between its divisions in Japan and the U.S., and the launch under the NASA program has been postponed by three years—from 2027.
At the same time, Ispace plans to launch five orbital spacecraft by 2030 to provide communications, navigation, and observation of the lunar surface.
According to CFO Jumpei Nozaki, the changes could cost the company several million dollars, potentially leading to the need for additional funding and staff reductions.
The company, which went public in 2023, has already made two unsuccessful attempts to land on the Moon and is currently operating at a loss.
Ispace plans its third mission for 2028—it involves launching the Ultra lander, capable of delivering up to 200 kg of cargo to the Moon’s surface.
Thanks to its infrared capabilities, the James Webb Space Telescope has allowed astronomers to peer through gas and dust into the center of the Milky Way.
Astronomers have discovered the most distant twin of the Milky Way in the universe using the James Webb Space Telescope.
