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WASHINGTON — A modification in propulsion systems will postpone the launch of a lunar lander, currently under construction for a NASA-sponsored endeavor, from 2026 to 2027. This lunar lander is part of NASA’s Commercial Lunar Payload Services (CLPS) program. The change is due to the integration of a novel engine, indicating shifts in the projected timeline of the lunar lander mission.
Apex 1.0 Lunar Lander: Engine Substitution
On May 9, ispace U.S., the American division of Japan’s ispace, declared its intention to implement a new engine named VoidRunner for its Apex 1.0 lunar lander. ispace U.S. is developing this lander for a team headed by Draper, for a mission within NASA’s Commercial Lunar Payload Services (CLPS) initiative.
Originally, the company intended to utilize an engine from Agile Space Industries, the A2200, a bipropellant engine generating approximately 2,200 newtons (500 pounds-force) of thrust. However, ispace U.S. stated that a collaborative review with Agile led to the conclusion that the A2200 “would not be delivered within the initially scheduled procurement timeline.”
VoidRunner Engine Details
VoidRunner represents a collaborative effort between ispace U.S. and Agile, incorporating a valve mechanism developed internally by ispace U.S. While specific technical parameters remained undisclosed, the companies noted its reduced component count by 75% “and enabled simplifications to the vehicle-level architecture.” Agile has conducted test firings of the engine in a vacuum environment.
Launch Delay Implications
The transition to the VoidRunner engine necessitates modifications to the lander’s blueprint. Consequently, ispace U.S. has announced the postponement of its Mission 3 launch from 2026 to 2027.
- Original Launch Target: 2026
- Revised Launch Window: 2027
Industry Perspectives on the Engine Change
“Agile is dedicated to ensuring our technology fully empowers ispace’s Mission 3 to success. We were confident that VoidRunner meets ispace U.S.’s performance expectations but also drives long-term efficiency,” said Chris Pearson, chief executive of Agile Space Industries.
“We are confident in the new propulsion system and renewed collaboration with Agile,” added Elizabeth Kryst, chief executive of ispace U.S.
CP-12 Mission Overview
The Mission 3 lander will be deployed for a NASA CLPS mission called CP-12, guided by Draper. The spacecraft’s landing site is Schrödinger Basin, situated on the far side of the moon. Its payload will include seismometers, an instrument designed to quantify heat flow within the moon, and sensors dedicated to gauging electrical and magnetic fields on the lunar surface. NASA awarded Draper the $73 million contract for the CP-12 mission in 2022, with initial launch projections set for 2025.
Additional Mission Components
In addition to the lander, the mission architecture encompasses two satellites, Alpine and Lupine. These satellites will function as communication relays for the lander, positioned beyond Earth’s direct line of sight on the lunar far side. Blue Canyon Technologies constructed these satellites, which will be available for supplementary functions following the CP-12 mission.
During a NASA presentation at the Lunar Surface Science Workshop on May 7, the CP-12 mission was still slated for a launch in the fourth quarter of 2026. It was identified as one of three CLPS missions scheduled for launch in 2026, alongside Intuitive Machines’ IM-3 mission and Firefly Aerospace’s Blue Ghost 2. Following the adjustment to CP-12’s timeline, Blue Ghost 2 is now positioned to potentially conduct the inaugural CLPS landing on the lunar far side.
ispace U.S. and CLPS Opportunities
While ispace U.S. collaborates with Draper on this CLPS initiative, the company is exploring further avenues for CLPS participation. An April 8 announcement detailed a partnership with Redwire, aimed at joint lunar lander missions, including those aligned with the CLPS program. Redwire’s involvement in CLPS stems from its acquisition of Deep Space Systems in 2020, one of the original nine companies selected by NASA for the program in 2018. To date, Redwire has yet to secure a CLPS task order.