Archive · 6 Jun 2025
ispace Lander Fails, Likely Crashes on the Moon
A Japanese company, ispace, tried to land a spacecraft called Resilience on the moon, but it probably crashed.
This is the second time they've had a lander fail.
The lander was carrying a rover and some science experiments, but it couldn't slow down properly before hitting the moon.
Even though it's a setback, ispace plans more missions in the future, including working with NASA.
The company has a U.S. unit building a bigger lander for a mission in 2027.
Investors are still supportive, and Japan remains committed to lunar exploration.
ispace's Resilience lunar lander likely crashed during its landing attempt.
This marks ispace's second failed lunar mission.
The lander carried a rover and payloads worth $16 million.
The company experienced issues measuring the distance to the surface, causing the crash.
Despite the failure, ispace plans future missions, including those for the Artemis program.
- Who
- ispace, a Japanese company
- What
- Resilience, ispace's second lunar lander, likely crashed during landing.
- When
- June 6 (likely crash)
- Where
- Moon, specifically Mare Frigoris
- Why
- Problems measuring distance, not slowing descent fast enough.
Pessimistic View
Optimistic View
Impact on future of Japanese space exploration
Pessimistic View
The crash signifies a setback in Japan's commercial lunar ambitions, potentially causing some Japanese firms to consider foreign transportation options.
Optimistic View
The failure doesn't diminish expectations for ispace; the company still has plans for future missions, including those for NASA's Artemis program and investor support remains strong.
- Company
- ispace
- Lander Name
- Resilience
- Mission Outcome
- Likely crashed on moon
- Location
- Mare Frigoris, Moon
- Payload Value
- $16 million
- Previous Failure
- 2023, ispace's first lander crashed
- Next Mission
- 2027, U.S. unit building a bigger lander