Tokyo-based venture firm ispace has revealed a new lunar lander that is under development for its expected launch in 2028.
In June, the firm failed in an attempt to touch down its lunar lander on the surface of the moon. It had aimed to become the first private Japanese company to successfully complete a lunar landing.
The lander under development was unveiled to the media on Thursday. It will measure about 3.6 meters in height and 3.3 meters in width. It is expected to have a maximum capacity of several hundred kilograms of payloads with the anticipation of launching a delivery service to the moon.
The project received 12 billion yen, or about 81.6 million dollars, from the Economy, Trade and Industry Ministry. The firm plans to start building spacecraft to be mounted on a rocket after conducting vibration and other environmental tests and improving designs.
Last year, a US space development company became the first private firm to put a lander on the moon. In March, another American company successfully touched down its lunar lander on the moon.
Hakamada Takeshi, ispace founder and CEO, said his company is the only one outside the US with the capacity of bringing its lunar lander to the moon.
The CEO added that he will make sure to complete the new lunar lander with the goal of building Japan's position in business development on the moon.

Quiz 1:
Which venture firm is developing a lunar lander for launch in 2028?
A. NASA
B. SpaceX
C. ispace (Tokyo-based)
D. Blue Origin

Answers:
Quiz 1: C

Quiz 2:
How tall will the new lunar lander developed by ispace be?
A. Less than 3.6 meters in height
B. Around 3.6 meters in height and 3.3 meters in width
C. More than 3.6 meters in height and 3.3 meters in width
D. Exact dimensions unknown

Answers:
Quiz 2: B

Quiz 3:
In which year did a US space development company become the first private firm to put a lander on the moon?
A. 2024
B. 2025
C. 2026
D. 2023

Answers:
Quiz 3: D (2023)