9 Aug, 2024
Tokyo – August 9, 2024 – ispace, inc. (ispace) (TOKYO: 9348), a global lunar exploration company, and Komatsu Ltd. (Komatsu), a global manufacturer and distributor of construction and mining equipment, have signed a consulting agreement for the development of construction equipment for the lunar environment.
Image of construction equipment on the lunar surface (credit: Komatsu Ltd.)
Since 2021, Komatsu has been selected for “Project for Promoting the Development of Innovative Technology for Unmanned Outer Space Construction” managed by Japan’s Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism in collaboration with the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology as part of the “STARDUST Programs”. As the future vision, Komatsu aims to develop construction equipment for the lunar environment. According to the agreement, ispace will provide Komatsu with consulting services based on ispace’s expertise in designing space test equipment and with selecting space proven components and materials.
“We are pleased to have signed a strategic consulting agreement with Komatsu, engaging in research and development that contributes to construction activities on the Moon, ‘Project for Promoting the Development of Innovative Technology for Unmanned Outer Space Construction’ as part of the ‘STARDUST Programs’ managed by Japanese Government,” said Takeshi Hakamada, Founder & CEO of ispace. “Together, we can challenge and accelerate the space exploration by applying our extensive knowledge and experience from the previous mission to the latest research and development of the autonomous construction equipment needed for the lunar construction.”
About Komatsu Ltd. (https://www.komatsu.jp/en)
Komatsu is a global manufacturer and distributor of construction and mining equipment, utility (light-duty) equipment, forestry equipment, and industrial machinery. Since its founding more than 100 years ago, Komatsu has continued to refine its technologies and provide new solutions.
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.