Private lunar exploration program "HAKUTO-R" announces Mission Control Center opening and SMBC Group partnership

ispace, a company engaged in space resource exploration and development, announced on December 9 the opening of the Mission Control Center for its private lunar exploration program "HAKUTO-R" in Nihonbashi, Tokyo. On the same day, it also announced that the SMBC Group has joined as a corporate partner. (Image = ©ispace)

The Mission Control Center serves as the command room for operating the lander and rover from Earth. During Mission 1, scheduled for January 2022, it will monitor the lander's attitude and temperature, transmit commands to the lander, and receive image and video data from the lunar surface.
Established in Nihonbashi, a location conducive to gathering people, it aims for "open space development involving non-space personnel and companies." It seeks to promote collaboration with non-space companies. The environment will be prepared to allow public viewing.

Until the actual mission, engineers responsible for the lander's operations will be stationed at the center. They will develop the control software and user interface, conduct simulations, and perform pre-mission tests.

Representative Takeshi Hakamada stated, "Ten years after starting to develop a lunar exploration rover with a small team, we've now reached the point of opening a Mission Control Center with over 100 colleagues. This is where the Moon and Earth connect. In the privileged location of Nihonbashi, we can share that moment with everyone. From the beginning, we have pursued open space development accessible even to those not initially involved in space. Through this mission, we aim to create opportunities for the growth of the space industry."

On the same day, Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation and SMBC Nikko Securities announced their participation as corporate partners of HAKUTO-R under the SMBC Group.

HAKUTO-R is ispace's private lunar exploration program scheduled for completion by 2023. It involves developing a unique lander and rover to conduct two missions: a lunar landing in 2022 and lunar exploration in 2023. Collaboration with the SMBC Group extends beyond financial services to include forming networks and facilitating business matching aimed at building new industries.