ispace has announced a series of collaborations with European companies in lunar exploration. It has signed memoranda of understanding covering the potential transport of Moonlight satellites and support for the supply, assembly and testing of components for the ULTRA lander.
In connection with the 77th International Astronautical Congress (IAC), ispace signed 2 memoranda of understanding with European companies in the field of lunar exploration. Neither was signed on the ground; both were announced through ceremonies held locally.
The first is a collaboration among ispace, ispace EUROPE, Leonardo and Telespazio to consider infrastructure services including lunar-surface communications, navigation, positioning and expanded data communications capacity. Potential collaboration on transport and terminal development on the lunar surface and in lunar orbit is also under consideration. With regard to Moonlight satellite transport, the parties are also considering the possibility of using ispace's OTV to transport Moonlight satellites into lunar orbit.
The second involves an expansion of collaboration with ArianeGroup. The parties signed an agreement covering the supply of propulsion-system components required for the ULTRA lander, the adoption of thrusters for RCS and support for assembly, integration and testing (AIT). In the longer term, they have also indicated that they are considering a contract covering the establishment of a stable production system.
This indicates that ispace is simultaneously deepening collaboration with European companies in both communications, navigation and transport, and production systems, with a view to realizing its lunar transportation business. Attention will now focus on the finalization of individual contracts and the adoption of these technologies for missions.