Japan inches closer to landing on the moon

ispace previously took a shot at the moon but failed — now, it's getting government support to try and become the first commercial outfit to land on the moon

Oct 21 (themessenger.com) - The Japanese government is betting on a Tokyo-based startup called ispace to help it land on and explore the moon.

If the startup succeeds in its mission timelines, then Japan could become the fifth country to ever land a craft successfully on the moon — a major milestone Japan is yet to reach as it vies for a place among nations looking to set up crewed bases on our celestial neighbor.

Despite never having successfully landed on the moon, Japan is putting $80 million to spur innovation at the moonshot company, Japan’s industry minister Yasutoshi Nishimura said on Friday.

The company made its first unsuccessful attempt to land on the moon in April this year — the lander likely crashed on to the lunar surface as it made its descent. ...continue reading

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