ispace, a global lunar exploration company, and Magna Petra, the first lunar resources company engaged in the prospecting, extraction and return to Earth of helium-3 isotopes from the lunar surface, have agreed to collaborate on future missions to the lunar surface.
Under terms of the memorandum of understanding, the two companies have agreed to collaborate on the development of a lunar economy that provides terrestrial economic value via non-destructive, sustainable harvesting of lunar surface resources.
“We
are delighted and honoured to be collaborating with ispace on this important initiative,” said Jeffrey Max, Magna Petra’s CEO.
“These missions require a cislunar transportation and lunar infrastructure partner with proven competencies, agility and strong leadership.
“The ispace teams’ strong track record of innovation and performance, along with a global footprint, are the perfect fit for Magna Petra’s critical mission requirements.”
“We are pleased to cooperate with Magna Petra to transport their technology to the Moon,” said Takeshi
Hakamada, Founder & CEO of ispace. “The cislunar economy will be dependent on many important resources other than water, and it is important to work to make use of these resources.
“ispace will continue to support the goals of various companies and organisations necessary for the development of the new economy.”
Magna Petra’s patent-pending technology promises energy-efficient isotope extraction and collection with minimal impact to the lunar surface.
Using advanced AI for lunar isotope modelling, NASA-developed instrumentation
for yield density validation, and cutting-edge technologies for isotope isolation, Magna Petra’s upcoming reconnaissance and collection missions place the company on a rapid timeline to validate, capture and return commercial quantities of isotopes from the lunar surface, addressing critical material supply chain shortages on Earth.
ispace is leveraging its global presence through its three business units in Japan, the US, and Luxembourg, for the simultaneous development of upcoming missions. Mission 2, featuring the RESILIENCE lunar lander, is led
by ispace Japan and is now scheduled for launch no earlier than January 2025.
In this mission, the TENACIOUS micro rover developed by ispace Europe SA to be deployed on the lunar surface to conduct a technological demonstration of regolith extraction as well as mobility on the lunar surface Mission 3, debuting the APEX 1.0 lunar lander, is led by ispace-US and is expected to launch in 2026.
Mission 6, which will utilise the Series 3 lander, currently being designed in Japan, is scheduled to be launched by 2027.