Ispace Begins Moon Transport Services Using SpaceX's Starship Payload Capacity

TOKYO, Jul 08 (Pulse News Wire) – Ispace,inc. (9348.T) announced today that it has decided to launch a new moon transport service utilizing SpaceX’s Starship payload capacity, alongside its existing ULTRA lander-based services.

The company secured up to 500 kg of payload space aboard SpaceX’s Starship, aiming to cater to customers requiring smaller payloads below 500 kg. This initiative follows ispace’s previous contracts with SpaceX for Falcon 9 launches since 2018, which included two missions under the HAKUTO-R lunar exploration program in 2022 and 2025. By leveraging the Starship payload capacity, ispace seeks to address growing demand for lunar payload transportation globally.

The agreement includes comprehensive services such as payload integration, quality management, and post-landing operations support through its Mobile Cargo System. Under the contract signed, ispace plans to offer this service while continuing to develop its own ULTRA lander for future missions scheduled in 2028, 2029, and 2030. The total contract amount is $50 million (approximately ¥8.100 billion), based on the exchange rate as of June 2026.

Looking ahead, ispace expects minor impacts on its fiscal year ending March 2027 but will promptly disclose any significant changes in performance forecasts due to this agreement.