ispace has been selected as JAXA's contract partner for its lunar solar power tower project and will advance the conceptual design of the development plan in anticipation of launches from 2030 onward. Developing a system to deliver power on the Moon will be the focus going forward.
ispace, a space development startup, has been selected by JAXA as its contract partner in a competitive proposal process to develop a solar power tower on the Moon. It will work with other partners to advance the conceptual design of the development plan.
JAXA expects power supplies in the tens-of-kilowatts range to be needed in the first half of the 2030s as lunar activities expand. In areas of the lunar surface with low solar irradiance, a power supply system combining solar cells and towers will be important.
ispace plans to work with other partner companies on the conceptual design needed to flesh out the development plan, including specifications for systems supplying power to lunar solar power towers, exploration vehicles and other equipment, as well as power connections with lunar landers.
JAXA is expected to flesh out its design approach from FY27 onward, with launches anticipated from the 2030s onward.