ispace Gears Up for Second Moon Landing Mission in December

Japanese space exploration company ispace, led by CEO Takeshi Hakamada, plans to launch its second moon landing mission, 'Hakuto-R Mission 2', in December. Following an unsuccessful attempt in April 2023, the mission will be carried by a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket and aims to make a successful lunar touchdown after 4-5 months of space travel. The company's goals align with global ambitions to explore the moon for resources.

Japanese space exploration company ispace will launch its second moon landing mission in December, as announced by chief executive Takeshi Hakamada on Thursday.

The 'Hakuto-R Mission 2' will be delivered via a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket from Florida, aiming for a lunar touchdown after a four to five-month space journey, according to Hakamada. 'I'm excited that our re-attempt to the moon is approaching,' he said during a press conference. This mission follows ispace's first attempt in April 2023, which failed due to an altitude miscalculation.

The Tokyo-based startup, founded by Hakamada in 2010, aims to replicate the success of U.S.-based Intuitive Machines, which achieved the world's first private moon landing in February. Ispace employs about 300 people across Japan, the United States, and Luxembourg.

The moon remains an emerging frontier in the race to discover water, fuel, and other resources to support human life. Recent national missions from India, Japan, and China have touched down on the lunar surface. The U.S. plans its first astronaut moon landing in half a century in 2026 as part of its Artemis program.

(With inputs from agencies.)