Japan's ispace lunar lander crashes again

Second failed attempt highlights the challenges of private moon exploration.
Text: Óscar Ontañón Docal
Published 2025-06-06

The latest news on Japan. Japan's ispace has confirmed that its Resilience lander likely crashed onto the lunar surface during descent on Friday, marking the company's second failed lunar mission in just a few years.

Despite previous software adjustments, the lander appears to have lost altitude control and failed to establish post-touchdown communication. While investor backing remains strong, this could prompt Japanese firms to seek international partnerships for future ventures.

TOKYO, JAPAN - December 15, 2021: Hakuto-R lunar lander on display in Nihonbashi Mitsui Tower. Hakuto-R was designed to go to the moon on SpaceX's Falcon 9 rocket

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