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Mitsubishi Heavy Industries to Launch ispace Lunar Lander

July 29, 2026

2 min read

Key Takeaways

ispace and Mitsubishi Heavy Industries partner for lunar mission.
Mission 3 ULTRA Lunar Lander to launch on H3 rocket in 2028.
First Japanese-made lunar lander and rocket to work together.
Partnership aims to establish reliable lunar transportation system.

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Strategic Implications

This partnership may indicate a significant step forward for Japan's space industry, suggesting a growing focus on lunar exploration and development. The collaboration between ispace and Mitsubishi Heavy Industries could strengthen Japan's position in the global space market, potentially leading to new opportunities for commercial lunar missions.

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What Happened

Japanese Companies Partner for Historic Lunar Mission

ispace and Mitsubishi Heavy Industries have signed a contract for launch and transportation services for ispace’s Mission 3 ULTRA Lunar Lander using the H3 rocket, scheduled for 2028. This historic mission will be the first time a Japanese-made lunar lander and rocket work together, marking a new era in Japan’s space capabilities. The partnership aims to establish a reliable lunar transportation system, with the companies also exploring cooperation in future lunar infrastructure development. This development was first reported by Mitsubishi Aircraft.

Source | Originally Published: July 29, 2026

Companies Mentioned