On June 5, 2025, Japanese company ispace is set to make a bold attempt to land its RESILIENCE lunar lander in the Moon’s Mare Frigoris, also known as the “Sea of Cold.” This mission, officially named the SMBC x HAKUTO-R Venture Moon Mission 2, represents a significant milestone in both Japan’s space ambitions and the global commercial space industry. If successful, ispace will become one of the very few private companies in history to achieve a soft landing on the lunar surface, and only the second Japanese entity to do so.
The journey of RESILIENCE is a testament to years of technological development, international collaboration, and lessons learned from previous missions. With a focus on both scientific value and commercial opportunity, ispace’s mission is being closely watched by space professionals, educators, students, and enthusiasts around the world.
Quick Summary
- ispace’s RESILIENCE lander is scheduled to attempt a soft landing on the Moon’s Mare Frigoris (“Sea of Cold”) on June 5, 2025 (UTC).
- The mission launched on January 15, 2025, aboard a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket, utilizing a low-energy transfer orbit to reach the Moon.
- RESILIENCE entered lunar orbit on May 7, 2025, after traveling more than 1.1 million kilometers from Earth.
- The lander’s descent will be fully autonomous, using advanced sensors and software to ensure a safe touchdown.
- The mission is supported by a global network of ground stations for communication and tracking.
- If successful, this will be the first commercial Japanese lunar landing and only the second Japanese lunar landing overall.
- The mission aims to demonstrate the technical and operational viability of commercial lunar transportation.
- Official updates and live coverage will be available on ispace’s website.
ispace’s Mission: A New Chapter i7n Lunar Exploration
Who is ispace?
ispace is a private space exploration company headquartered in Tokyo, Japan, with additional offices in Europe and North America. Founded in 2010, ispace has grown from a participant in the Google Lunar XPRIZE competition to a leading player in the emerging lunar economy. The company’s vision is to enable humans to live and work on the Moon by providing reliable transportation and resource services.
The RESILIENCE Lander
The RESILIENCE lander is an advanced, compact lunar spacecraft designed to deliver payloads to the Moon’s surface. Building on the design and lessons from ispace’s previous HAKUTO-R Mission 1, RESILIENCE incorporates improved landing software, upgraded propulsion, and enhanced redundancy in critical systems. The lander is equipped with:
- Main and auxiliary thrusters for precise maneuvering and descent
- Autonomous hazard detection and avoidance systems
- Multiple communication antennas for redundancy
- Payload bays for customer experiments and technology demonstrations
Why Mare Frigoris, the “Sea of Cold”?
Mare Frigoris, Latin for “Sea of Cold,” is a broad, relatively flat lunar mare located in the Moon’s northern hemisphere. Its geological features make it an attractive target for landing:
- Flat Terrain: Reduces the risk of landing on hazardous slopes or boulders.
- Scientific Interest: The region is relatively unexplored, offering opportunities for new discoveries about lunar geology.
- Potential for Future Missions: Its location and characteristics make it a candidate site for future resource extraction and infrastructure projects.
The Journey: From Earth to the Moon
Launch and Cruise Phase
RESILIENCE was launched on January 15, 2025, atop a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket from Cape Canaveral. Rather than taking a direct trajectory, the mission used a low-energy transfer orbit, which takes longer but conserves fuel. This approach is increasingly popular for commercial lunar missions, as it allows for more payload mass and lower costs.
Deep Space Maneuvers
After separating from the rocket, RESILIENCE performed a series of trajectory correction maneuvers. These were essential for fine-tuning its path and testing its propulsion and navigation systems. The spacecraft traveled over 1.1 million kilometers, making it one of the longest lunar transfer routes to date for a commercial lander.
Lunar Orbit Insertion
On May 7, 2025, RESILIENCE successfully entered a stable, circular lunar orbit approximately 100 kilometers above the Moon’s surface. This maneuver required precise timing and execution, as any error could have resulted in the spacecraft missing the Moon or crashing.
Pre-Landing Preparations
In the weeks leading up to the landing, ispace’s mission control team in Tokyo has been conducting comprehensive system checks, updating software, and rehearsing landing procedures. The lander’s orbit has been adjusted to optimize the descent trajectory and ensure the best possible conditions for a safe touchdown.
The Landing Attempt: What Will Happen?
Descent Sequence
On June 5, 2025, RESILIENCE will begin its descent from lunar orbit. The landing sequence is fully autonomous, relying on pre-programmed instructions and real-time sensor data. Here’s how the process will unfold:
- Deorbit Burn: The main engine fires to slow the spacecraft and lower its altitude toward the surface.
- Attitude Adjustment: The lander orients itself vertically, preparing for final descent.
- Hazard Detection: Using lidar and cameras, the lander scans the surface for obstacles and adjusts its landing site if necessary.
- Final Descent: The lander slows further, using auxiliary thrusters for fine control.
- Touchdown: Landing legs absorb the impact as the lander settles onto the lunar surface.
Communication and Tracking
Throughout the descent, ispace’s mission control will monitor telemetry data relayed via a global network of ground stations. This ensures constant communication and allows for rapid response if any anomalies occur.
What Happens After Landing?
If RESILIENCE lands successfully, the mission will shift to surface operations. The lander is carrying a suite of payloads, including technology demonstrations and scientific instruments. These will be activated to collect data, test new systems, and relay information back to Earth.
Learning from the Past: ispace’s First Attempt
ispace’s first lunar landing attempt, Mission 1 in 2023, ended in disappointment when the lander crashed during its final descent. The company conducted a thorough investigation, identifying issues with altitude estimation and fuel management. For Mission 2, ispace has implemented:
- Improved landing algorithms
- Enhanced sensor calibration
- Greater redundancy in propulsion and communications
- More rigorous simulation and testing
These upgrades are designed to maximize the chances of a successful landing and demonstrate ispace’s commitment to continuous improvement.
Why This Mission Matters
For Japan
If successful, this mission will make ispace the first private Japanese company to land on the Moon, and only the second Japanese lunar landing overall. It will showcase Japan’s technological leadership and inspire future generations in science and engineering.
For the Commercial Space Industry
A successful landing will validate the business case for commercial lunar transportation. It will open the door for more frequent, cost-effective missions, enabling new opportunities for research, resource prospecting, and even lunar infrastructure development.
For Science and Education
The data and experience gained from this mission will benefit scientists, educators, and students worldwide. By making lunar exploration more accessible, ispace is helping to democratize space and foster international collaboration.
Japanese Company ispace: How to Watch and Learn from the Mission?
ispace will provide a live broadcast of the landing attempt, featuring real-time telemetry, expert commentary, and behind-the-scenes views from mission control. The livestream will be available in both Japanese and English, making it accessible to a global audience.
To get the most out of this historic event:
- Tune in to the Livestream: Watch the landing as it happens and listen to expert explanations.
- Follow Official Updates: Stay informed with the latest news, images, and mission milestones.
- Engage with Educational Resources: Teachers and students can use mission materials to learn about space science, engineering, and teamwork.
- Connect with the Community: Join discussions with space enthusiasts and professionals online.
Table: ispace RESILIENCE Mission 2 Key Facts
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Mission Name | SMBC x HAKUTO-R Venture Moon Mission 2 |
| Spacecraft | RESILIENCE Lunar Lander |
| Launch Date | January 15, 2025 |
| Launch Vehicle | SpaceX Falcon 9 |
| Target Landing Site | Mare Frigoris (“Sea of Cold”), Moon |
| Scheduled Landing | June 5, 2025 (UTC) / June 6, 2025 (JST) |
| Current Orbit | Circular, 100 km above lunar surface |
| Mission Control | ispace, Tokyo, Japan |
| Previous Attempt | 2023 (unsuccessful landing) |
| Payloads | Scientific instruments, technology demonstrations |
| Communication | Global ground station network |
| Official Website | ispace official website |
The Broader Impact: Inspiring a New Era
ispace’s Moon landing attempt is more than a technical demonstration—it’s a symbol of what’s possible when vision, innovation, and collaboration come together. By pushing the boundaries of commercial spaceflight, ispace is helping to lay the groundwork for a sustainable lunar economy and a future where humanity is truly a multi-planetary species.
For professionals, this mission provides a model of rigorous engineering, risk management, and international cooperation. For students and the public, it’s a source of inspiration and a reminder that space is open to all who dare to dream.
Overall Summary
As ispace prepares for its historic landing in the Moon’s “Sea of Cold,” the world watches with anticipation. This mission encapsulates the spirit of exploration, the promise of commercial space, and the power of perseverance. Whether RESILIENCE lands safely or not, the lessons learned will shape the future of lunar exploration and inspire the next wave of innovators.
Stay tuned for the landing, engage with the mission, and be part of this exciting chapter in space history.
Read More
Apple Takes Legal Stand Against EU’s Latest Regulation Push
FAQs on Japanese Company ispace
What is the main goal of ispace’s Moon landing mission?
The primary goal is to achieve a soft landing on the Moon’s Mare Frigoris, deliver scientific and commercial payloads, and demonstrate the reliability of commercial lunar transportation.
Why was Mare Frigoris chosen as the landing site?
Mare Frigoris offers a relatively flat and safe terrain, making it ideal for a first landing attempt. Its unexplored nature also provides valuable scientific opportunities.
How will the landing be controlled?
The landing sequence is fully autonomous, guided by advanced software and real-time sensor data. Mission control will monitor the process but will not intervene directly.
What happens if the landing fails?
If the landing is unsuccessful, ispace will analyze the data, learn from the experience, and use the findings to improve future missions.
Is this Japan’s first lunar landing?
No. Japan’s space agency achieved a soft lunar landing in 2024. ispace’s mission would be the first commercial Japanese lunar landing.
What comes next for ispace?
ispace plans to build on the experience from this mission to develop more advanced lunar landers, offer regular transportation services, and support lunar resource exploration.