A Japanese space company has blamed a malfunctioning laser range finder for the crash of its moon lander earlier this month, marking the second failed lunar landing attempt for ispace in just over two years.
The company’s uncrewed lander, named Resilience, was attempting to touch down near the moon’s Mare Frigoris, or “Sea of Cold”, when contact was lost during its final descent. Officials revealed Tuesday that the laser navigation tool responsible for gauging altitude was delayed in activating, causing the spacecraft to misjudge its altitude and crash at a speed of 138 feet (42 metres) per second.
Images of the wreckage, captured by NASA’s Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter last week, confirmed the crash site.
“Unfortunately, the laser range finder failed to operate properly at the critical moment,” said ispace CEO Takeshi Hakamada. “We acknowledge the issue and are moving forward with necessary improvements.”
In 2023, ispace lost its first lander to a software error that also occurred during the final landing phase. Despite the back-to-back losses, Hakamada said the company remains committed to its lunar programme and confirmed plans for a third mission in 2027 and a fourth mission in development. These future landings are being planned in cooperation with NASA and will undergo enhanced testing protocols.
The setbacks come as part of a broader international effort to enable commercial lunar missions. Of the seven attempts by private companies to land on the moon in recent years, only one—Texas-based Firefly Aerospace’s Blue Ghost lander in March 2025—has succeeded. Blue Ghost had launched aboard the same SpaceX rocket as Resilience back in January.
Outside of the private sector, only five countries have successfully landed spacecraft on the moon: the U.S., Soviet Union, China, India and Japan. However, the U.S. remains the only nation to have landed astronauts there, a feat last achieved more than 50 years ago during NASA’s Apollo programme.
Ispace says it will now invest an additional 1.5 billion yen (approximately $10 million) to upgrade its lander systems. The company also confirmed that external experts will join its failure review board, and that it will deepen collaboration with the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA).
“We haven’t stepped down in the face of setbacks,” said Hakamada. “We are firmly committed to taking the next step toward the future of lunar exploration.”
South Korea and NATO have agreed to set up a new consultative body focused on defence industry cooperation, aiming to deepen collaboration through joint development and procurement initiatives.
The European Commission has proposed a new EU Space Act to create a unified and competitive single market for space services and data, in a move to strengthen Europe’s position in the rapidly growing global space sector.
The World Bank has approved over $1 billion in new funding to support rebuilding efforts and infrastructure development in Iraq, Syria, and Lebanon.
U.S. chipmaker Nvidia has reclaimed its title as the world’s most valuable company after its shares surged to a record high.
U.S. President Donald Trump has demanded that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s corruption trial be cancelled, calling the case a “witch hunt” and suggesting Netanyahu should be pardoned.
South Korea and NATO have agreed to set up a new consultative body focused on defence industry cooperation, aiming to deepen collaboration through joint development and procurement initiatives.
The European Commission has proposed a new EU Space Act to create a unified and competitive single market for space services and data, in a move to strengthen Europe’s position in the rapidly growing global space sector.
The World Bank has approved over $1 billion in new funding to support rebuilding efforts and infrastructure development in Iraq, Syria, and Lebanon.
U.S. chipmaker Nvidia has reclaimed its title as the world’s most valuable company after its shares surged to a record high.
A Japanese space company has blamed a malfunctioning laser range finder for the crash of its moon lander earlier this month, marking the second failed lunar landing attempt for ispace in just over two years.
Iran launched 18 ballistic missiles late Sunday targeting the U.S. military’s Al-Udeid Air Base in Qatar, the largest American installation in the Middle East.
Iranian missiles struck multiple locations across Israel and neighbouring regions early Friday morning, including a Microsoft office complex, according to emergency responders and local media reports.
A high-speed tram derailment in central Gothenburg, Sweden, has left at least eight people injured late on Thursday (19 June), after the vehicle slammed into a snack bar on Avenyn Avenue.
Wizz Air has suspended all flights to and from Tel Aviv, Israel, and its European services to Amman, Jordan, effective immediately until 15 September due to escalating situation in the Middle East. Also, the air carrier temporarily suspended its flights between Astana, Kazakhstan, and Abu Dhabi.
China has unveiled a mosquito-sized bionic drone designed for covert military operations and battlefield reconnaissance, marking a major advance in micro-robotics and stealth technology as part of the country’s growing focus on next-generation warfare capabilities.
The European Commission has proposed a new EU Space Act to create a unified and competitive single market for space services and data, in a move to strengthen Europe’s position in the rapidly growing global space sector.
U.S. chipmaker Nvidia has reclaimed its title as the world’s most valuable company after its shares surged to a record high.
Indonesia has conducted the first passenger-carrying test flight of the EHang 216-S flying taxi, marking a milestone in the country's push towards future urban air mobility.
The EU is moving to simplify and unify its space policy with a landmark proposal—the EU Space Act aimed at boosting Europe’s competitiveness in the global space economy and establishing a single, streamlined market for space services.
An historic mission began early on Wednesday (25 June) as astronauts from India, Poland, and Hungary were launched to the International Space Station (ISS) for their countries’ first-ever visit. They were joined by NASA veteran Peggy Whitson.
South Korea and NATO have agreed to set up a new consultative body focused on defence industry cooperation, aiming to deepen collaboration through joint development and procurement initiatives.
The European Commission has proposed a new EU Space Act to create a unified and competitive single market for space services and data, in a move to strengthen Europe’s position in the rapidly growing global space sector.
The World Bank has approved over $1 billion in new funding to support rebuilding efforts and infrastructure development in Iraq, Syria, and Lebanon.
U.S. chipmaker Nvidia has reclaimed its title as the world’s most valuable company after its shares surged to a record high.
A Japanese space company has blamed a malfunctioning laser range finder for the crash of its moon lander earlier this month, marking the second failed lunar landing attempt for ispace in just over two years.
You can download the AnewZ application from Play Store and the App Store.
What is your opinion on this topic?
Leave the first comment