17 Mar, 2026
TOKYO–March 17, 2026–ispace, inc. (ispace) (TOKYO: 9348), a global lunar exploration company, and the Geo-Informatics and Space Technology Development Agency (GISTDA), the Kingdom of Thailand’s national space agency, have agreed through a memorandum of understanding to study the feasibility of a Thailand-developed life-science payload to be delivered to the lunar surface as part of The National Space Experiment and Exploration program.
An image of Masayuki Urata, Senior Manager, Business Development Division of ispace (left) and Dr. Pakorn Apaphan, Executive Director of GISTDA (right) taken at the Thailand-Japan Space Industry Cooperation Forum in Bangkok.
The announcement was made during a ceremony at Thailand-Japan Space Industry Cooperation Forum held in Bangkok, Thailand, from March 16 to 17, 2026. As part of the agreement, GISTDA is expected to lead the program, overseeing project planning, execution, and evaluation, while ispace intends to provide technical interfaces between the life-science payload and its lunar lander to ensure compatibility and mission success. The collaboration aims to increase education and technical training in Thailand to promote research and innovation in space and life-science technology.
Led by the Thai government, The National Space Experiment and Exploration Program provides a framework for implementing space exploration missions. This memorandum of understanding aims to accelerate Thailand’s participation in the Artemis Program with a strong emphasis on life-science research and experimentation on the lunar surface. It also establishes the foundation for developing sustainable habitats on the Moon. The collaboration leverages Thailand’s strengths in life-science sector through implementing a payload project built using Thailand’s domestic resources and supported by partner companies curated through the framework of this agreement. Additionally, it aims to promote engagement across all sectors in the research and development of lunar technologies that can benefit life on Earth.
Previously, GISTDA, ispace, and mu Space and Advanced Technology Co., Ltd (mu Space) a Thai satellite and communication services company, agreed to study a potential of a lunar exploration program under a similar framework. This new agreement enhances the collaboration scope and strengthens the relationships between the parties to realize the agreement’s purpose.
Statement of Takeshi Hakamada, Founder & CEO of ispace
“We are honored that this MOU will contribute to advancing Thailand’s life sciences sector into the field of space exploration,” said Takeshi Hakamada, Founder & CEO of ispace. “ispace is committed to supporting the realization of Thai-developed payloads by strengthening our collaboration with GISTDA and working closely with partners in Japan’s industrial community to drive long-term technological and industrial progress.”
Statement of Dr. Pakorn Apaphan, Executive Director of GISTDA
“Thailand is ready to begin the cooperation with Japanese companies in space research and experiments, opening new possibilities in space exploration and strengthen Thailand’s technical capacity in partnership with Japan,” said Dr. Pakorn Apaphan, Executive Director of GISTDA during the Cooperation Forum.
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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.