ispace and KDDI have newly reached a basic agreement on the joint development of a communications network connecting the Moon and Earth. They plan to conduct demonstrations combining ground stations and lunar orbiters. The timing of future service launches has not been determined, but cooperation with lunar landers and orbital transfer vehicles is also under consideration.
ispace and KDDI announced on 12 November that they had signed a new basic agreement aimed at building a communications network connecting the lunar surface and Earth. They aim to realise a network connecting the lunar surface to Earth by combining existing satellite communications facilities with lunar orbiters planned by ispace.
The two companies had previously signed a basic agreement in March 2025. Under the latest agreement, they will jointly develop and demonstrate technologies, equipment and operational expertise, while expanding cooperation in areas including the promotion of the space industry and talent development in Yamaguchi Prefecture.
ispace is developing a concept for communications relay, positioning and space situational awareness data services using lunar orbiters. In cooperation with KDDI’s ground stations, the companies are also considering combining mobile communications and optical communications on the lunar surface. Cooperation with transportation services using lunar landers and orbital transfer vehicles is also under consideration.
ispace has announced a target of deploying its first lunar orbiter, a single unit, as early as 2027 and launching its Luna-Connect service within the same fiscal year. It plans to deploy at least 5 units by 2030.