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ispace Launches Lunar Transport Service with SpaceX Starship
Japanese lunar firm ispace has started selling payload deliveries to the Moon using SpaceX’s Starship rocket.
- ispace launched a new lunar transport service on 7 August 2026.
- The service will use SpaceX Starship and a Mobile Cargo System for lunar payloads.
- Global sales for the service opened immediately upon the announcement.
- The Japanese government has provided ispace with 5.6 trillion yen in funding.
- The service creates a commercial pathway to deliver cargo to the Moon.
What happened
On 7 August 2026, ispace launched a new lunar transport service. The service will use SpaceX’s Starship rocket and a vehicle called the Mobile Cargo System. Global sales began immediately upon the announcement.
What we know
ispace announced the new service on 7 August 2026.
The lunar transport service will launch aboard SpaceX’s Starship.
The payloads will be carried by a Mobile Cargo System, the designated vehicle for the service.
Sales for the service opened worldwide on the day of the announcement.
The Japanese government has provided ispace with 5.6 trillion yen in funding.
Why it matters
By partnering with SpaceX and its heavy-lift Starship, ispace creates a new commercial pathway to deliver cargo to the Moon. With immediate global sales, the service gives potential customers a procurement timeline for lunar payloads, potentially increasing the cadence of private-sector lunar activity.
What we are not sure about
- The specific connection between the 5.6 trillion yen government funding and the new transport service is not detailed.
Sources
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