Space exploration just got a plot twist straight out of a sci-fi movie 🎬. Japanese lunar exploration company ispace confirmed its second moon landing failure in two years – this time due to a malfunctioning laser tool that couldn’t keep up with the spacecraft’s speed.
The Hakuto-R Mission 2 lander, nicknamed Resilience, was aiming for the moon’s northern Mare Frigoris region when it plummeted at 42 meters per second. NASA’s Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter later snapped photos of the crash site, revealing scattered debris from the lander and its mini rover. 💥
CEO Takeshi Hakamada explained the laser range finder – critical for measuring altitude – failed to activate properly during the final descent. “We’re learning hard lessons,” he said, vowing to collaborate with Japan’s space agency and external experts for future missions.
📉 2023 crash: Software error
📉 2025 crash: Laser malfunction
🎯 Next attempt: 2027 (with NASA support)
While only Firefly Aerospace has nailed a private moon landing recently, ispace isn’t backing down. They’re investing an extra $10M+ to upgrade tech for their 2027 and 2029 missions. 💸 “This isn’t game over – it’s leveling up,” Hakamada declared.
