ispace Technologies U.S.,the American branch of the ispace lunar exploration firm, announced a partnership with RTX’s subsidiary, Blue Canyon Technologies, to build two Venus-class microsatellite buses for its 2026 lunar mission. Earlier this year, Blue Canyon received notoriety for success in the Defense Advance Research Project Agency(DARPA)'s Blackjack Satellite Program.
These satellites will enhance lunar communications by facilitating data relay from the Moon's far side to Earth. Blue Canyon Technologies, known for its role in the MarCO program to Mars, will leverage its advanced technology for the mission, aligning with ispace-U.S.'s vision for frequent, cost-effective lunar transport.
The satellites will deploy from ispace’s APEX 1.0 lunar lander, aiming to increase payload capacity to the lunar surface over time and support various payloads, including direct-to-Earth communication from the Moon’s far side. The mission contributes to the Commercial Lunar Payload Services initiative, delivering scientific payloads to the Moon in 2026.
Photo by ispace technologies, courtesy of Miri Casey
