ispace and University of Leicester Sign Payload Service Agreement (PSA) for Lunar Raman Spectrometer Mission

ispace Inc. (Headquarters: Chuo-ku, Tokyo; Representative Director and CEO: Takeshi Hakamada; Securities Code: 9348) and the University of Leicester (hereinafter, University of Leicester) are pleased to announce the signing of a Payload Service Agreement (PSA). This agreement stipulates the integration and transport of a Raman spectrometer as a payload to the lunar surface during a future ispace lunar mission.

This payload is a Raman analysis spectrometer, which applies laser spectrometer technology developed for the ExoMars mission*¹. Moving forward, the University of Leicester will lead its development in collaboration with the National Institute for Aerospace Technology (Instituto Nacional de Tecnica Aeroespacial: INTA) (Spain), the University of Aberdeen (Scotland), RAL Space (UK), and the University of Valladolid (Spain).

*¹ ExoMars: A Mars life exploration mission led by the European Space Agency (ESA).

The primary objective of this instrument is to analyze the molecular composition of the lunar surface and identify resources that could potentially support future human exploration of the Moon. It is also designed for integration into small landers and rovers for lunar exploration with an eye towards space resource utilization.

This Raman spectrometer mission is proceeding under the UK Space Agency (UKSA)'s Science and Exploration Bilateral Fund. It represents a significant step forward in the development of scientific observation instruments for in-situ lunar analysis.

Based on this agreement, ispace will provide payload transport services using its new lander, "ULTRA." ULTRA is a high-quality spacecraft born from the integration of the Series 3 lander and the APEX 1.0 lander, which were developed in Japan and the US, respectively, building upon the design of the RESILIENCE lander used in two previous lunar missions. Details regarding the specific mission for its deployment will be announced once they are finalized.

To achieve high-precision surface analysis on the Moon, the Raman spectrometer needs to operate extremely close to or in contact with lunar regolith. To meet this requirement, ispace and the University of Leicester are jointly developing a deployment mechanism that will precisely position the instrument at designated locations on the lunar surface, aiming for operation on both landers and rovers.

The path to this agreement began with a Letter of Support signed by ispace and the University of Leicester in 2022, followed by an interim Payload Service Agreement (iPSA) in 2024, culminating in this official Payload Service Agreement. This mission is foundational for characterizing lunar materials and future space resource utilization, and ispace will continue to contribute to building a sustainable lunar exploration infrastructure.

Comment from Takeshi Hakamada, Representative Director & CEO & Founder, ispace Inc.

"Through this Payload Service Agreement, ispace is delighted to further develop its cooperative relationship with the University of Leicester. By combining the University of Leicester's expertise in Raman spectroscopy technology with ispace's lunar transport and lunar mobility technologies, we aim to build a foundation for future missions aimed at a deeper understanding and utilization of lunar resources."

Comment from Liz Lloyd, UK Minister for Space

"This agreement between ispace and the University of Leicester is a splendid example of what UK space science can achieve when world-class academic expertise and commercial ambition combine, and I am delighted to see our cooperation with Japan deepen further.

By analyzing the composition of the lunar surface and identifying resources such as high-value minerals, volatile substances, and water ice, this mission will lay the groundwork for sustainable lunar exploration, open new economic frontiers, and strengthen the UK's role in this emerging market."

Comment from Dr. Hannah Lerman, Project Lead, University of Leicester

"We are very pleased that this agreement further advances our collaboration with ispace. We are honored to play a part in ispace's vision, as they drive the development of space missions with a new and dynamic approach.

This will become a new model for space exploration, opening up a wide range of possibilities to demonstrate the technologies and capabilities developed at the University of Leicester. With human exploration missions on the horizon, this agreement marks a crucial step in preparing for future returns to the Moon."

ispace Inc.