Race to the Moon · Japan
Official target, as worded: As early as 2027 (ispace, 17 Sep 2026). ispace Mission 2.5 (first Lunar Connect relay satellite) is a relay mission in the ispace programme by ispace (satellite); delivered to lunar orbit by Argo Space, counted under Japan.
Data reviewed against sources as of · All dates UTC unless a local time is shown
One satellite, Alpine, the first of ispace’s Lunar Connect constellation ("at least five satellites orbiting the Moon" planned) for communication and positioning. Argo Space carries it to lunar orbit on its water-powered Argonaut vehicle; the delivery contract was finalised on 17 Sep 2026.
Official target, as worded: As early as 2027 (ispace, 17 Sep 2026).
ispace Mission 2.5 (first Lunar Connect relay satellite) is a relay mission in the ispace programme by ispace (satellite); delivered to lunar orbit by Argo Space, counted under Japan.
Scheduled. One satellite, Alpine, the first of ispace’s Lunar Connect constellation ("at least five satellites orbiting the Moon" planned) for communication and positioning.
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