The agreement represents an important step towards increasing Italy's contribution to the development of lunar exploration
LUXEMBOURG–(BUSINESS WIRE)–ispace EUROPE SA (ispace-EUROPE), a subsidiary of ispace, Inc., has signed Luxembourg-based and the Italian Space Agency (ASI) have signed a payload services agreement to transport the Laser Reflector Array (LaRA2) to enable precise position measurements on the Moon through laser experiments, the two organizations announced today.
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LaRA2 shape, palm-sized dome (Photo: Business Wire)
This agreement represents the first large-scale contract between ispace-EUROPE and ASI, as both organizations look forward to joint development of the Moon in the future.
LaRA2 is a small, powerful, lightweight instrument designed to operate without any power source and to survive the harsh surface conditions on the Moon for an extended period of time. It features a precise array of retroreflectors (cuboid-angled prisms) designed to reflect laser beams directly back to their source, regardless of the angle of incidence. The same instrument is installed on NASA's Perseverance rover, which is currently exploring Mars.
This collaboration with the Italian Space Agency is a great example of how commercial companies can enable lunar science led by space agencies. Julien Lamy, CEO of ispace-EUROPE, said adding LaRA2 to existing retroreflectors deployed on the Moon will open new surface mapping possibilities for scientific research and will help improve navigation capabilities to enable future missions.
This technology will be integrated into the APEX 1.0 lunar lander as part of the ispace Technologies US (ispace-US) 3 mission, currently scheduled to land in the Schrödinger Basin (far side of the Moon, South Pole) in 2026. It will enable ASI to make observations Long-range laser for LaRA2 by the Lunar Orbiter.
By combining LaRA2 measurements with measurements from other retroreflectors previously deployed on the near side of the Moon during Apollo missions and others, ASI scientists expect to collect valuable data that will help map the Moon and improve navigation and positioning on the Moon's surface.
iSpace leverages its global presence through its three business units in Japan, the United States and Luxembourg, to simultaneously develop upcoming missions. Mission 2, which includes the RESILIENCE lunar lander and the TENACIOUS small rover, is led by ispace Japan and is now scheduled to launch no later than mid-January 2025. Mission 3, which debuts the APEX 1.0 lunar lander, is led by ispace Japan and is Its launch is expected in 2026. Mission 6, which will use the Series 3 lander, which is currently being designed in Japan, is scheduled to launch by 2026. 2027.
About iSpace (https://ispace-inc.com)
ispace, a global lunar exploration company with a vision to expand our planet. Expanding Our Future, specializes in the design and construction of lunar landers and rovers. ispace aims to extend human life into space and create a sustainable world by providing high-frequency, low-cost transportation services to the moon. The company has business entities in Japan, Luxembourg and the United States and employs approximately 300 employees worldwide. ispace is leveraging its global presence through its three business units in Japan, the United States and Luxembourg, for the simultaneous development of Mission 2, currently scheduled for launch no later than mid-January 2025, and led by its Japanese entity, as well as Mission 3, currently scheduled for launch in 2026 and led by Its US entity, Mission 6, will use the Series 3 lander and is scheduled to launch by 2027. For more information, visit: www.ispace-inc.com and follow us on X: @ispace_inc.
About Asi (ASI | Italian Space Agency)
The Italian Space Agency ASI was founded in 1988 as a national authority with the mission of formulating and enacting Italian space policy in accordance with government guidelines. The agency has established itself as one of the world's leading players in space science, satellite technology and vehicle development for exploring the universe. Today, ASI is a leading company at both European and global levels. It has a close collaborative relationship with NASA and has been involved in many of the most interesting scientific missions in recent years. One such project was the construction and operation of the International Space Station, which currently houses several Italian astronauts. Thanks to ASI, Italy is at the forefront of this exemplary humanitarian endeavour.
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Andrew C. Ames
Global Communications Specialist
iSpace Company
a-ames@ispace-inc.com
Source: iSpace, Inc.
