TOKYO—October 22, 2026—ispace, inc. (ispace) (TOKYO: 9348), a global lunar exploration company, announced today that it has been selected by the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) as a contractor for its competitive proposal solicitation, “Conceptual Design for the Realization of a Lunar Solar Power Tower (Parts A-B).”
The solicitation seeks proposals for conceptual design work aimed at defining system requirements, specifications, and project plans necessary to realize a lunar solar power tower capable of generating electricity to support activities in the Moon’s south polar region. The initiative is intended to enable sustainable lunar exploration. Through this study, JAXA aims to further develop its design approach for the next fiscal year and beyond, anticipating the launch of the tower in the Japanese fiscal year 2030 or later.
As lunar activities continue to expand, a stable power supply will be a critical component of the infrastructure needed to enable sustained operations on the lunar surface. JAXA has projected that lunar exploration activities will require power supplies on the order of tens of kilowatts (kW) by the early 2030s. In high-latitude regions, including the lunar south pole, the angle of incidence of sunlight is consistently low. To address these conditions, JAXA is proceeding with the study of a power supply system that combines solar arrays with a tower structure.
Following its selection, ispace will proceed with arrangements to finalize a contract with JAXA. Upon execution of the contract, ispace will work with partner companies on the conceptual design of the lunar solar power tower and its power distribution system for lunar surface equipment. Drawing on the expertise and experience gained through its lunar exploration missions and lander development programs, ispace will contribute to defining system requirements and specifications, interfaces with lunar landers, and plans for future development.
As lunar activities expand, ispace believes that developing essential infrastructure, including power, communications, and positioning capabilities, will be essential alongside transportation to the Moon. The company is pursuing business development opportunities with a view toward establishing infrastructure on the lunar surface and throughout cislunar space. Through this initiative, ispace aims to help define the power infrastructure needed to support sustained lunar operations while contributing to the development of a future lunar and cislunar economy.
Statement of Takeshi Hakamada, Founder & CEO of ispace, inc.
“As activities on the lunar surface gain momentum, developing essential infrastructure—including power, communications, and positioning capabilities—will become increasingly important alongside transportation. We are very pleased to have the opportunity to participate in JAXA’s conceptual design initiative for a lunar solar power tower.”
“Through our missions to date, ispace has accumulated valuable technical expertise and operational experience. Looking ahead, we intend to leverage these capabilities to focus on developing the infrastructure necessary to enable sustained lunar operations. Through this initiative, we aim to contribute to the Japanese technology and industry playing a vital role in future lunar activities, while working towards the realization of a sustainable cislunar economy,” said Takeshi Hakamada, Founder & CEO, ispace, inc.
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About ispace, inc. (https://ispace-inc.com)
ispace, a global lunar resource development company with the vision, “Expand our planet. Expand our future.”, specializes in designing and building lunar landers and rovers. ispace aims to extend the sphere of human life into space and create a sustainable world by providing high-frequency, low-cost transportation services to the Moon. The company has business entities in Japan, Luxembourg, and the United States with more than 300 employees worldwide. For more information, visit: www.ispace-inc.com and follow us on X: @ispace_inc.