ispace-EUROPE and ISA partner to deliver advanced reflector technology to the moon

ispace-EUROPE and ISA partner to deliver advanced reflector technology to the moon
by Erica Marchand
Paris, France (SPX) Dec 27, 2024

ispace EUROPE S.A. (ispace-EUROPE) and the Italian Space Agency (ASI) have formalized a payload services agreement to deliver the Laser Retroreflector Array (LaRA2) to the lunar surface. This collaboration aims to facilitate laser ranging experiments that enhance precise lunar position measurements.

The partnership represents the first comprehensive contract between ispace-EUROPE and ASI, paving the way for future joint lunar initiatives.

LaRA2, a compact and lightweight device, is engineered to function without a power source and endure the Moon's extreme conditions for prolonged periods. Equipped with an array of corner cube prisms, the instrument can reflect laser beams directly back to their source, regardless of their angle of incidence. A similar technology is currently operational aboard NASA's Perseverance rover on Mars.

"This collaboration with the Italian Space Agency is a great example of how commercial companies are enablers to lunar science led by space agencies. Adding LaRA2 to the existing retroreflectors deployed on the Moon will open new possibilities of mapping the surface for scientific research and will help refining navigation capabilities to enable future missions," said Julien Lamamy, CEO of ispace-EUROPE.

LaRA2 will be integrated into the APEX 1.0 lunar lander for ispace-U.S.'s Mission 3, scheduled to land in the Schrodinger Basin on the Moon's far side near the South Pole in 2026. Following the lander's touchdown, ASI will oversee extended laser ranging observations of LaRA2 using lunar orbiters.

By combining LaRA2's data with measurements from earlier retroreflectors deployed during Apollo missions and other initiatives, ASI scientists anticipate gathering significant insights to advance lunar surface mapping and refine navigation systems.

ispace is leveraging its global reach through three strategic hubs in Japan, the U.S., and Luxembourg to develop simultaneous missions. Mission 2, led by ispace Japan, features the RESILIENCE lunar lander and TENACIOUS micro rover, with launch expected no earlier than mid-January 2025. Mission 3, debuting the APEX 1.0 lander, is managed by ispace-U.S. and is targeted for 2026. Mission 6, utilizing the Series 3 lander currently in development in Japan, is slated for launch by 2027.