Introducing ispace Europe's Micro-Rover and Its Contributions to Lunar Science and Payload Delivery

Paper number

IAC-24,A3,2A,7,x89484

Author

Ms. Sophia Casanova, ispace, inc., Luxembourg

Year

2024

Abstract

Poised for liftoff in late 2024, ispace Inc. is set to embark on its second attempt at landing on
the lunar surface.
This presentation will outline ispace’s recent advancements in lunar exploration, with a focus
on ispace Europe’s contributions to the upcoming Hakuto-R Mission 2 (Resilience). Central
to our discussion is the development and capabilities of the ispace micro-rover, engineered
in Luxembourg. This rover is designed for operation from the ispace EU Mission Control
Centre in Luxembourg and demonstrates a balance between its payload delivery and scientific
investigation capability. Its primary functions include deploying payloads onto the lunar surface
and facilitating commercial operations, including executing NASA’s first contract for lunar
regolith collection using a purpose-built regolith sample scoop. The rover will also be tasked to
conduct simple scientific studies related to rock mechanics and regolith characterization, aimed
at enhancing our understanding of the moon’s surface and material properties.
Additionally, the presentation will detail ispace’s approach to comprehensive lunar mission
planning and design. This includes the introduction of the Mission Planning Toolkit (MPT),
developed by ispace Europe for effective landing site selection, rover operation planning, and
traverse planning, showcasing ispace’s contribution to the technical planning and execution of
lunar missions.
Our presentation aims to underscore not only ispace’s role in advancing lunar exploration but
also our dedication to fostering synergies between commercial and scientific communities

Abstract document

IAC-24,A3,2A,7,x89484.brief.pdf

Manuscript document

IAC-24,A3,2A,7,x89484.pdf (🔒 authorized access only).

To get the manuscript, please contact IAF Secretariat.