ispace Unveils Next-Gen Moon Lander | Lunar Exploration

Ispace Unveils Next-Generation Lunar Lander Design

Ispace, a Japanese aerospace startup focused on establishing a lunar economy, has revealed the design for its advanced lander. This new vehicle is slated for potential lunar deployment as early as 2024.

Series 2 Lander: Enhanced Capabilities

The Tokyo-based company detailed that this next-generation lander, designated Series 2, will be utilized in its third planned mission to the moon. It represents a significant upgrade over its predecessor, boasting increased dimensions and payload capacity.

Specifically, the Series 2 lander measures approximately 9 feet in height and 14 feet in width when its landing legs are deployed. It is engineered to transport up to 500 kilograms of cargo to the lunar surface and 2,000 kilograms to lunar orbit.

In comparison, the Series 1 lander, scheduled for flights in 2022 and 2023, has a maximum payload capacity of only 30 kilograms.

Surviving the Lunar Environment

A critical feature of the new lander is its ability to endure the extreme cold of the lunar night. It is designed to potentially operate on the moon’s surface for up to two weeks during the prolonged darkness.

Furthermore, the Series 2 lander is capable of executing landings on various lunar locations, including the near side, far side, and polar regions of the moon.

Advanced Technologies and Partnerships

The lander incorporates several key advancements. These include multiple payload bays and a sophisticated guidance, navigation, and control (GNC) system. This GNC system is crucial for ensuring precise and successful landings.

Draper, a prominent engineering developer with extensive experience in the space sector, is providing the GNC technology. Notably, Draper is also a qualified contractor for NASA’s Commercial Lunar Payload Services (CLPS) initiative.

Manufacturing and Collaboration

Ispace has confirmed that the lander has successfully completed its preliminary design review. The subsequent phases involve manufacturing and assembly, which will be conducted in collaboration with General Atomics, a leading defense and aerospace technology company.

The partnership with Draper, a CLPS contractor, is strategically important. Ispace aims for its Series 2 lander to be competitive within the NASA program.

“We will work closely with Draper and General Atomics to prepare for the next NASA CLPS task order,” stated Kyle Acierno, CEO of ispace’s U.S. subsidiary.

North American Development and Ongoing Missions

Ispace is developing the next-generation lander at its North American facilities in Colorado. The company also intends to manufacture the vehicle within the United States.

Concurrently, preparations are underway for the company’s initial two lunar missions, planned for 2022 and 2023. The Series 1 lander is currently undergoing final assembly of its flight module at a facility in Germany owned by ArianeGroup.

While the customer manifest for the first mission is complete, payload capacity remains available for the subsequent mission.

Recent Funding and Future Outlook

The unveiling of the lander follows closely after ispace secured $46 million in Series C funding. The company stated that these funds will be allocated towards supporting its second and third planned lunar missions.