Japan and Luxembourg deepen space ties as lunar race gathers pace

A Japanese ministerial delegation toured ispace-EUROPE’s Luxembourg rover facility as the two countries strengthen cooperation in lunar exploration, robotics and advanced space technology

Japan and Luxembourg are deepening cooperation in lunar exploration and advanced space technology as both countries look to play a larger role in the next phase of Moon missions.

The growing relationship was highlighted by a visit from a high-level Japanese delegation to ispace-EUROPE’s headquarters in Luxembourg, where engineers are developing rover systems for future lunar exploration.

Yoshimasa Hayashi, Japan’s Minister for Internal Affairs and Communications and President of the Japan–Luxembourg Parliamentary Friendship League, led the delegation on Monday, May 4.

The visit was held as part of the League’s work and focused on cooperation between Japan and Luxembourg in innovation, advanced technologies and space exploration.

During the visit, the Japanese delegation received an overview of ispace’s global lunar missions, including its recently announced Lunar Connect services and the European-led MAGPIE lunar exploration mission.

Delegates also toured ispace-EUROPE’s engineering facilities, where staff presented the company’s rover systems, including rover structures, onboard software and mission operations capabilities.

The delegation then watched a live rover demonstration in the company’s Lunar Yard test facility, which is used to simulate the lunar surface and support rover testing and development in Luxembourg.

Jumpei Nozaki, Executive Business Director and CFO of ispace, said: “Significant developments are currently underway in lunar development and satellite infrastructure in lunar orbit, and we hope this visit will help invigorate global cooperation between Japan and Europe.”

ispace-EUROPE is the Luxembourg-based subsidiary of ispace, inc. and focuses on lunar rover development. It is responsible for the first European-designed, manufactured and assembled lunar rover.

As part of the global ispace group, ispace-EUROPE plays a central role in lunar mobility systems and European lunar exploration initiatives.

Julien-Alexandre Lamamy, CEO of ispace-EUROPE, added: “This visit reflects the strong and growing ties between Japan and Luxembourg, and highlights the importance of international collaboration in advancing lunar exploration and space innovation.”

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_{Main image: Japanese ministerial delegation visits ispace-EUROPE’s Luxembourg headquarters as Japan and Luxembourg deepen cooperation in lunar exploration and advanced space technology. Pictured, from left: Mamoru Nomura, Ambassador of Japan to Luxembourg; Kazuhiro Miyamoto, Member of the House of Councillors; Jumpei Nozaki, Executive Business Director and CFO of ispace; Yoshimasa Hayashi, Japan’s Minister of Internal Affairs and Communications; Shigeharu Aoyama, Member of the House of Representatives and Deputy Minister of the Environment; Julien-Alexandre Lamamy, CEO of ispace-EUROPE; and Charlotte Nassey, Senior Government Affairs and Policy Lead at ispace-EUROPE. Credit: ispace-EUROPE.}