14 Jan, 2026
TOKYO–January 14, 2026–ispace, inc. (ispace) (TOKYO: 9348), a global lunar exploration company, was awarded a contract by the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) to conduct a study and provide, “Analysis for Space Debris Mitigation in Lunar Orbit and Disposal Management on the Lunar Surface.”
In commissioning the study, Artemis Accords signatory nations, including Japan, have identified the limitation of newly generated, long-lived harmful debris as a critical challenge for achieving a sustainable cislunar economy. While many space-related agencies and organizations, such as the United Nations’ Committee on the Peaceful Uses of Outer Space (COPUOS) and the Inter-Agency Space Debris Coordination Committee (IADC) have established space debris reduction guidelines, these guidelines do not necessarily account for activities on and around the Moon. With the anticipated expansion of development and exploration, future challenges will include addressing appropriate measures for post-mission disposal methods and management of spacecraft.
In anticipation of these developments, ispace has been contracted to examine the practical effectiveness from a private sector perspective. The company will take into consideration issues regarding, Space Debris Mitigation in Lunar Orbit and Disposal Management on the Lunar Surface currently being discussed by signatory nations of the Artemis Accords and led by Japan/JAXA.
As part of the study, ispace will leverage expertise gained from developing lunar landers and rovers in two previous missions as well as ongoing development of a lunar orbiter. The company will identify the requirements necessary to comply with the draft recommendations, including those for future missions, such as lunar orbiters, analyze their technical and operational feasibility, and provide this information to JAXA.
Statement of Takeshi Hakamada, Founder & CEO of ispace
“This study commissioned by JAXA and the underlying subject matter represents a critical challenge for all involved in lunar development, including ispace as we work to advance the cislunar economy. Drawing on ispace’s accumulated expertise in mission development, we intend to meticulously review the draft recommendations for space debris mitigation and disposal management from a lunar-specific perspective, thereby contributing to sustainable space utilization,” said Takeshi Hakamada, Founder & CEO of ispace.
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.