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H3 Rocket to Launch ispace Lunar Lander Mission

July 29, 2026

2 min read

Key Takeaways

ispace selects H3 rocket for Mission 3 in 2028.
Mission 3 will be the first flight of ispace's Ultra lander.
H3 launch creates Japan's first private lunar transportation system.
ispace also partners with SpaceX for future missions.

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Strategic Implications

This partnership may indicate a shift in Japan's space industry towards private-led initiatives. The selection of H3 suggests a preference for domestic launch capabilities, which could strengthen Japan's position in the global space market. The collaboration may also signal a growing trend towards international cooperation in lunar exploration.

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What Happened

Japan's First Private Lunar Transportation System Takes Shape

Japanese lunar lander developer ispace has partnered with Mitsubishi Heavy Industries to launch its next mission, Mission 3, on the H3 rocket in 2028. This mission will be the first flight of ispace’s new Ultra lander design and marks the creation of Japan’s first private lunar transportation system. ispace has also announced a new contract with the European Space Agency for a rover mission, demonstrating its growing presence in the global space industry. The partnership was reported by SpaceNews.

Source | Originally Published: July 28, 2026

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