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Redwire and ispace U.S. Partner on Lunar Missions
COLORADO SPRINGS — Redwire and ispace U.S. have announced a collaboration focused on future lunar missions, aiming to capitalize on the increasing interest from both commercial entities and government agencies in lunar exploration and development.
The two companies formalized their agreement by signing a memorandum of understanding during the 40th Space Symposium on April 8. This partnership will see them jointly pursuing lunar mission opportunities, including those offered through NASA’s Commercial Lunar Payload Services (CLPS) program.
Joint Pursuit of NASA CLPS and Lunar Infrastructure
Ispace U.S., the American arm of Tokyo-based ispace, is currently developing its APEX 1.0 lunar lander for Draper Laboratory. This lander is slated to journey to the far side of the moon as part of a CLPS mission in 2026. According to Mike Gold, president of civil and international space at Redwire, future landers will incorporate Redwire technologies, such as advanced cameras and deployable systems. Furthermore, they will utilize Redwire’s assembly, integration, and testing facilities, which are conveniently located alongside ispace in Colorado.
Vision for a Cislunar Economy
“We share a common vision for establishing a cislunar economy and deploying essential infrastructure on the moon,” stated Ron Garan, chairman of ispace U.S., highlighting the long-term goals of the partnership.
Initial Focus on CLPS Opportunities
Initially, the collaboration will concentrate on securing NASA CLPS program awards. Redwire holds existing CLPS contracts through its 2020 acquisition of Deep Space Systems, which was among the original companies selected by NASA for the program in 2018.
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Expanding Beyond Lunar Landers to Cislunar Space Services
The cooperative efforts between Redwire and ispace will extend beyond lunar landers. Garan pointed out that the CLPS mission ispace is developing for Draper will incorporate two satellites. These satellites are designed to act as data relays for the lander and will also be available to support other missions and applications. Ispace is in discussions with Redwire regarding the potential integration of sensors into these satellites to enhance cislunar space situational awareness.
Growing Commercial Interest in Lunar Ventures
Garan emphasized that, historically, NASA has been the primary client for lunar lander missions. However, he noted a shift in the landscape. “We are observing indications of evolving demand, suggesting the feasibility of truly commercial lunar missions,” he explained. This includes burgeoning interest in accessing lunar resources such as rare earth elements and helium-3.
Public-Private Partnership for Lunar Development
Gold acknowledged the continued significance of government support in the near and medium term for lunar activities. However, he emphasized Redwire’s observation of increasing interest from commercial companies in lunar missions for resource utilization and diverse applications. “We are engaging with new categories of customers that were not present a few years prior,” Gold stated, underscoring the expanding commercial lunar market.
Building a New Space Economy Through Collaboration
“This partnership transcends CLPS,” Gold affirmed. “It is fundamentally about constructing a new space economy, leveraging the strengths of both companies to foster growth and innovation in the lunar sector.”