16 July 2026 – SKY Perfect JSAT Corporation and ispace, inc. (“ispace”) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to jointly evaluate the use of SKY Perfect JSAT’s commercial near-Earth tracking network service, “JSAT Space Line”. Under the MoU, the companies will exchange technical information and conduct system compatibility studies with the aim of establishing communications between JSAT Space Line ground stations and “ULTRA,” ispace’s next-generation lunar lander planned for Mission 3, currently targeted for launch in 2028. The collaboration will also explore the feasibility of demonstration activities between the spacecraft and ground stations. Establishing stable, flexible, and resilient communications framework is a critical element of lunar mission operations. As lunar exploration activities continue to accelerate in the years ahead, ispace is seeking to expand its options for ground station services and mission support capabilities. Read more