#Japan #Tokyo #JAL #ispace #HAKUTO

A New Era of Space Transportation: ispace and JAL Group's Collaboration

On December 3, 2025, ispace, a prominent player in lunar transportation, along with Japan Airlines (JAL) and its affiliated companies, sealed a fundamental agreement to explore collaborative opportunities in the lunar transportation and operations sectors. This partnership is set against the backdrop of the emerging 'Cislunar Economy,' which connects Earth and the Moon, paving the way for sustainable activities in space.

The agreement was forged between four key players: ispace, JAL, JAL Engineering (JALEC), and JALUX, each contributing their strengths to build a robust infrastructure for sustained lunar operations. A crucial aspect of this initiative is to secure a transportation system and foundational framework that will support ongoing activities on the Moon, such as exploration, transportation, and habitation.

JAL has a rich history in aviation, with over 70 years of experience promoting safe and reliable air travel. This legacy is now being translated into the realm of space transportation as JAL aims to generate a regular flow of logistics and human movement to and from the Moon. Through the new collaboration, JAL looks forward to synergizing its aviation expertise to deliver innovative solutions in lunar transport.

In the past, JAL has been an active participant in several lunar exploration endeavors, notably supporting the 'HAKUTO' team in the Google Lunar XPRIZE and the 'HAKUTO-R' program. This involvement has included corporate partnership roles and contributions to technologies, such as the transportation of lunar lander components and rover units. The collaboration has laid a strong foundation, paving the way for future advancements and joint projects aimed at regular lunar operations.

The recent entry of JALUX into this partnership invokes further collaborative potentials, specifically in the development of new space-related services for general consumers. This approach aims to create enhanced opportunities for payloads associated with ispace’s lunar transport services. By integrating ispace's lunar transport capabilities with JAL's extensive customer network and aviation insights, diverse stakeholders—including individuals and private companies—will gain unprecedented access to lunar transport options.

ispace forges ahead with a visionary approach to build a lasting Cislunar economy, enabling various activities on the Moon. This future-oriented initiative promises an exhilarating prospect where space transportation becomes a common experience, intertwined with daily life on Earth. The ongoing discussions emphasize the necessity to create value and infrastructure that will enable frequent departures and arrivals to and from the Moon.

The successful execution of this fundamental agreement marks the beginning of a new chapter for lunar transportation—one that seeks not only technological advancement but also establishes a communal relationship with space. The four companies are committed to leveraging their expertise, safety standards, and innovative capacities to support a thriving lunar environment. They aim to participate in co-creating essential infrastructures that will sustain long-term activities on the lunar surface.

Milestones in Collaboration

• - 2015: JAL supports HAKUTO as a corporate partner.
• - 2018: Initiation of HAKUTO-R program.
• - 2019: Continued corporate partnership with JAL.
• - 2018–2022: JALEC provides comprehensive technical support, including the welding and testing of the lunar lander.
• - 2024: Mission supporting the transport of the rover flight model.
• - 2025: Inclusion of JALUX and formal agreement on collaboration in lunar transportation and operations.

In closing, the CEO of ispace, Takeshi Hakamada, expressed confidence in the collective effort with the JAL Group to develop essential systems that enhance lunar transportation and the overall experience of space engagement. This collaboration signifies a groundbreaking leap towards building sustainable operations and infrastructures as both entities work closely to create a future where space travel is accessible to a broader audience.

As they move forward, JAL and ispace remain committed to proving that the dream of regular lunar operations is not just a vision, but an impending reality for generations to come.