JAL Group Launches 'ARGO PROJECT,' World's First Airline-Led Lunar Transport Service

Overview JALUX Inc. and ispace, inc. have signed a payload transport service agreement for ispace's upcoming Moon landing mission (Mission 3), scheduled for 2028. Based on this contract, Japan Airlines (JAL) and JALUX will begin selling payload transport slots to general businesses and municipalities starting May 27, 2026.

Background and Purpose In November 2025, ispace and three JAL Group companies signed a memorandum of understanding to explore collaboration in lunar transport and operations. This contract marks the first concrete step in that collaboration. The 'ARGO PROJECT' (The ARGO Trans-Lunar Heritage Project) is inspired by the constellation Argo Navis and embodies the vision of a 'relaying ark for future generations.' It aims to protect and preserve precious human culture and activities—which are at risk from climate change, disasters, and conflict—on the Moon, where they remain unaffected by Earth's environment.

Service Specifications JAL and JALUX serve as the project planners. JALUX is responsible for developing the 'Möbius Ark' transport box and soliciting payloads, while JAL collaborates with regions and companies across Japan to gather items such as local specialty products and corporate legacies. ispace transports and lands these boxes on the lunar surface. The boxes are approximately 20cm x 20cm x 10cm, featuring segmented compartments and materials designed to withstand the lunar environment.

Future Outlook Building on over 70 years of history in aviation, the JAL Group is challenging itself to create a new transportation network to the Moon. In collaboration with partners and local governments, the group aims to preserve culture for the future and realize a society where space transportation is more accessible.