ispace, a global lunar exploration company, announced that it was selected by the Taiwan Space Agency (TASA) to deliver scientific payloads to the lunar surface. Based on the award, ispace is expected to enter into a contract with TASA to transport the “Vector Magnetometer and Ultraviolet Telescope” to the Moon on the company’s Mission 4, currently scheduled to launch in 2028. The total contract value is $8 million USD or approximately ¥1.17 billion.
The Taiwan Space Agency, officially restructured in 2023, focuses on enhancing Taiwan’s space technology research and development capabilities, implementing national space policies and plans, and promoting Taiwan’s space activities and the development of the space industry. ispace signed a memorandum of understanding with TASA in December 2024 to advance strategic dialogue on future lunar exploration, leading to discussions about medium- to long-term lunar plans.
ispace has collaborated in the past with Taiwanese academia and continues to promote efforts in Taiwan’s industry, government, and academia. During Mission 2, launched in January 2025, the RESILIENCE lunar lander carried a Deep Space Radiation Probe (DSRP) developed by Taiwan’s National Central University. It conducted radiation environment observations during the flight to the Moon, acquiring valuable data.
ispace’s Series 3 lunar lander, currently under development by ispace utilizing a Small Business Innovation (SBIR) grant from Japan’s Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry, is scheduled to carry a payload selected under the Space Strategy Fund’s first-phase open call theme: “Development and Demonstration of Lunar Water Resource Exploration Technology (Sensing Technology).” This payload is being developed by a project team that includes ispace and collaborating institutions. TASA’s “Vector Magnetometer and Ultraviolet Telescope” is the second payload to be manifested on the mission.
“We are deeply honored that TASA has selected ispace to deliver its scientific instruments to the Moon. Taiwan is a world-leading technology hub, and we look forward to continued collaborations to advance the space industry in Asia and lunar exploration,” said Takeshi Hakamada, Founder & CEO of ispace. “Mission 4 represents our next lunar endeavor, where we will develop a new lander utilizing SBIR funding. We will steadily advance the development of our Series 3 lander, providing innovative and reliable lunar transportation services.”
