Argo and ispace U.S. Sign Deal to Launch Alpine Lunar Relay by 2027

Argo Space Corp. and ispace technologies U.S. have signed a definitive agreement to deploy the Alpine communications relay satellite to lunar orbit. Alpine will be the inaugural asset of ispace’s Lunar Connect Service, a planned constellation orbiting the Moon.

The companies announced the binding deal on 17 September 2026, following an earlier agreement unveiled in March 2026.

Alpine will be launched as a payload on Argo’s Argonaut vehicle, a water-powered space logistics tug capable of reaching any orbit, including cislunar space.

Alpine is the first orbital asset of ispace’s Lunar Connect Service, which will consist of at least five satellites orbiting the Moon.

The mission is part of ispace Mission 2.5, which has been cleared for flight and has a launch date in 2027.

The remaining Lunar Connect satellites are expected to be deployed by 2030.

ispace has stated it plans to use a variety of transportation methods for its services.

This partnership pairs a water-powered orbital transfer capability with a dedicated lunar relay network, strengthening commercial infrastructure in cislunar space. Alpine as the first Lunar Connect asset marks the beginning of persistent communications coverage around the Moon, a service that could support future surface and orbital activities. The agreement also demonstrates demand for flexible cargo delivery to any orbit, expanding the ecosystem of cislunar logistics.

ispace technologies U.S., a subsidiary of ispace, inc., is based in Englewood, Colorado, and provides transportation services to the lunar surface and lunar orbit. Argo Space Corp. is headquartered in El Segundo, California.

Alpine is set to launch in 2027 as part of ispace Mission 2.5. The full Lunar Connect constellation is scheduled to be completed in 2030.