The Japanese aerospace company ispace has announced a major update to its lunar program. The key project involves deploying a network of multi-purpose probes called Lunar Connect in lunar orbit. The new system is designed to address the main challenges of future missions: ensuring stable communication, precise navigation, and continuous monitoring of the Moon’s surface.

According to the company’s plans, the Lunar Connect constellation will consist of five satellites by 2030. The network’s services will be available to both national space agencies and private companies. This is particularly important for missions operating on the far side of the Moon, where direct communication with Earth is not possible. For this purpose, specialized relay satellites named Alpine and Lupine are already under development.

The first test launch to demonstrate the technologies is scheduled for 2027. ispace estimates that by 2040, the lunar communications and monitoring market could exceed $3 billion. Demand is expected to grow alongside plans by NASA and other stakeholders to build habitable bases on the Moon.

Other players are also active in this race: Intuitive Machines is working with NASA, while Telespazio is developing a similar solution for the European Space Agency (ESA).

Alongside the satellite program, ispace has revised the schedule for its lander missions. The launch of a new lander developed by its U.S. division has been postponed from 2027 to 2030 due to a change in engine supplier. The company’s next missions are now planned for 2028 and 2029 with support from the Japanese government.

It is worth noting that the company’s previous attempts to land spacecraft on the Moon in 2023 and 2025 were unsuccessful due to software issues. The company is now focusing on building a reliable infrastructure that will serve as the foundation for future lunar expeditions.

ORIENT