A Japanese venture firm has launched what could become the first privately-funded spacecraft to land on the moon.

The uncrewed lunar lander was developed by Tokyo-based start-up ispace. The rocket carrying the lander was launched from Florida by US firm SpaceX at 7:38 UTC on Sunday.

The spacecraft will separate from the rocket about 47 minutes after lift-off. It will then cruise toward the moon, which is about 380,000 kilometers from the Earth.

It is expected to land on the moon's surface at the end of April next year. If successful, it will be the first time for a private company to land a spacecraft on the moon.

The launch was postponed for about a month for additional inspections.

The lander is carrying small robots developed by the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency and other entities. It will conduct surface probes and experiment with various kinds of technology.

Research papers released in recent years suggest that there is water on the moon. It is now considered to be a potential base for human activity in space.

International competition in the field of space development has been intensifying, including the US-led Artemis lunar exploration project.

Private businesses are also trying to expand the areas in space that can be used for commercial purposes.

The planned lunar landing could usher in a new era for business opportunities on the moon.