ispace and SKY Perfect JSAT Sign MOU to Demonstrate Private Communication Infrastructure for Japan's Lunar Exploration

ispace Inc. (Headquarters: Chuo-ku, Tokyo; CEO: Takeshi Hakamada; hereinafter 'ispace') (TSE Code: 9348) and SKY Perfect JSAT Corporation (Headquarters: Minato-ku, Tokyo; President and CEO: Eiichi Yonekura; hereinafter 'SKY Perfect JSAT') have signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) for technical discussions on utilizing SKY Perfect JSAT’s private near-Earth tracking network service, 'JSAT Space Line.' Under this MOU, both companies will aim to establish communication between ispace’s new lunar lander 'ULTRA' and the ground stations of 'JSAT Space Line' during ispace’s lunar landing mission (Mission 3), scheduled for launch in 2028. The collaboration will include mutual exchange of technical information, specification reviews, and in-orbit demonstrations between space and ground stations.

Artist’s impression of the new lander 'ULTRA' to be used in Mission 3

ispace identifies the establishment of a stable and flexible communication operation system as a key technical challenge in lunar exploration missions. To prepare for the anticipated increase in high-frequency lunar missions in the future, the company aims to expand options for ground stations and communication systems.

Through this technical evaluation, ispace will utilize the ground station facilities of 'JSAT Space Line' to verify the feasibility of communication operations required for lunar missions. Additionally, ispace will assess the potential of using these facilities as a backup to the ESOC ground station network operated by the European Space Agency (ESA). The company particularly aims to enhance the reliability of future lunar missions by ensuring redundancy in communication systems such as X-band downlinks.

The ground station facilities of 'JSAT Space Line,' provided by SKY Perfect JSAT, have already been used for signal measurements in NASA’s crewed lunar orbit mission 'Artemis II,' demonstrating proven capabilities in supporting lunar missions. As a private company with experience in receiving signals not only from near-Earth regions but also from cislunar space, SKY Perfect JSAT will support the operations of Mission 3.

'JSAT Space Line' concept image (Image courtesy: SKY Perfect JSAT) (Left) Ground station facility (photo from Ibaraki Prefecture installation) (Right) Service operation overview

Going forward, both companies will verify the demand and effectiveness of domestic ground stations in lunar exploration missions through this demonstration. They will work together to build a communication infrastructure supporting Japan-led lunar exploration and contribute to the future development of deep space communication infrastructure.

Comment from Takeshi Hakamada, CEO & Founder, ispace Inc.

'Communication infrastructure is one of the most critical elements in lunar exploration missions. Looking ahead to future missions, we believe it is extremely important to ensure connectivity with multiple ground station services and to build a flexible and highly redundant operational system.

This collaboration with SKY Perfect JSAT for Mission 3 not only verifies the technical effectiveness of 'JSAT Space Line' but also holds significant value in expanding the possibility of utilizing Japan’s private ground stations for lunar missions. We will proceed with this partnership as an initiative that contributes to strengthening Japan’s space industry foundation.'

Comment from Teruo Yamashita, Executive Officer, Senior Managing Director, and Head of Space Business Division, SKY Perfect JSAT Corporation

'With the increasing activity in space operations, including lunar exploration, the demand for reliable communication infrastructure is expected to grow further. This initiative is an important opportunity to evaluate the applicability of 'JSAT Space Line' to lunar missions. By collaborating with ispace, a company advancing lunar exploration, we expect this to be a step forward in expanding the role that private communication infrastructure can play.

SKY Perfect JSAT will support ispace’s Mission 3 by leveraging our expertise and experience in ground station operations accumulated through initiatives like Artemis II, and contribute to the development of Japan’s deep space communication infrastructure.'

About SKY Perfect JSAT Corporation (https://www.skyperfectjsat.space/)

SKY Perfect JSAT is a 'space enterprise' with dual pillars of space and media. In space business, it provides satellite communications via geostationary satellites, operates its own low Earth orbit Earth observation satellites for satellite imagery data business, and expands into diverse fields including national security. In media business, it operates broadcasting and distribution services under the 'SKY PerfecTV!' brand, media solutions, optical alliance services such as retransmission via fiber lines, and global IP services. In April 2026, the holding company and operating company will integrate to continue challenging new value creation.

About ispace Inc. (https://ispace-inc.com/jpn/)

ispace is a space startup company with the vision 'Expand our planet. Expand our future. ~Extending humanity’s sphere of life into space for a sustainable world~,' dedicated to lunar resource development. Operating from three bases in Japan, Luxembourg, and the United States, the company currently employs approximately 350 staff. Founded in 2010, ispace operated 'HAKUTO,' one of the five finalist teams in the Google Lunar XPRIZE race. The company develops small landers (lunar landers) and rovers (lunar exploration vehicles) aimed at providing high-frequency, low-cost transportation and data services to the Moon. Aiming to become a gateway for private businesses to operate on the Moon, ispace also plans to offer its 'Luna-Connect' service, centered on communication and positioning using its own lunar orbiting satellites. In 2023, it conducted Mission 1, becoming the first private company worldwide to attempt a lunar landing. In 2025, Mission 2 successfully demonstrated reliable transportation to lunar orbit, lander attitude control, and guidance control functions. As early as 2027, Mission 2.5 plans to deploy one lunar orbiting satellite into lunar orbit. In 2028, the company plans to launch Mission 3 (formerly Mission 4), featuring the lander model 'ULTRA (Ultra),' developed primarily by its Japan base using funding from METI’s SBIR subsidy program. In 2029, Mission 4 (formerly Mission 6) aims to launch with a high-precision landing near the lunar south pole.

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i The launch timing mentioned here is as of July 2026 and may be subject to change. Additionally, the implementation period for the SBIR (Small Business Innovation Research) program, under which the company was selected as a subsidized project with the theme 'Development and Operational Demonstration of a Lunar Lander,' is原则上 set for FY2027. The Mission 3 (formerly Mission 4) eligible for SBIR subsidies was initially agreed with METI and the SBIR Secretariat for a launch within 2027. However, as of July 2026, due to internal development schedules, the company anticipates a launch within 2028. This change is currently under discussion with relevant government agencies and the SBIR Secretariat, and final formal approval for the plan change will be granted by METI.