ispace and University of Leicester sign payload deal for lunar Raman spectrometer

Japan‑based lunar explorer ispace and the United Kingdom’s University of Leicester have signed a Payload Service Agreement to deliver a Raman analytical spectroscopy instrument to the Moon. The spectrometer, adapted from the laser system used on the ExoMars mission, will analyze the lunar regolith to determine its molecular composition and identify resources useful for future human exploration.

The instrument will be supplied by the University of Leicester together with partners from Spain’s INTA, the University of Aberdeen, RAL Space and the University of Valladolid, and is funded by the UK Space Agency’s Science and Exploration Bilateral Fund. ispace will transport the payload aboard its upcoming ULTRA lunar lander, operated by its Japanese entity, though the specific mission has not yet been assigned. The collaboration also includes development of a deployment mechanism that can place the spectrometer in direct contact with the lunar surface, supporting both lander and rover operations. Takeshi Hakamada, ispace’s founder and CEO, said the agreement “helps lay the groundwork for future missions focused on understanding and utilising lunar resources.”