Beyond Horizons
Trailblazing Tales from Asia
Your exclusive gateway to the latest developments across transportation and space, and most importantly, how to finance it all - debt, equity, and defi! We follow and forecast where the money’s at.
Join us as we navigate through the latest roundup to uncover key developments across the region.
**Nothing in this article is intended to be or should be construed as legal or financial advice.**
Events
Business Aviation Asia Forum and Expo (BAAFEx)
The first-ever Business Aviation Asia Forum and Expo (BAAFEx) will take place from March 4-6, 2025, at the Changi Exhibition Center in Singapore. Organized by Xperia Events, BAAFEx is set to be the premier gathering for the business aviation sector, bringing together key stakeholders.
BAAFEx will feature aircraft on static display from major players, including Boeing Business Jets, VistaJet, and Amber Aviation. VistaJet will showcase its flagship Bombardier Global 7500, while Amber Aviation will present a Gulfstream G450.
The event will feature a dynamic exhibition, offering the latest innovations and services from top aviation companies. Expert panels and keynote speakers will provide insights into the trends and challenges in business aviation.
Read
The Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore has reported that Singapore’s maritime sector reached significant milestones in 2024, setting new records in vessel arrival tonnage, bunker sales, and container throughput. Speaking at the Singapore Maritime Foundation (SMF) New Year Conversations event, Minister of State for Law and Transport, Mr. Murali Pillai, highlighted the sector’s strong growth despite global challenges.
Annual vessel arrival tonnage increased by 0.6%, reaching 3.11 billion gross tonnage (GT), while cargo throughput rose 5.2% to 622.67 million tonnes. Container throughput hit a record 41.12 million TEUs, confirming Singapore’s status as the top global transshipment hub.
Bunker fuel sales grew by 6.0%, with alternative fuels like biofuels, LNG, and methanol showing significant growth. The Singapore Registry of Ships reached a record 108 million GT, reinforcing its position as one of the top five globally.
Looking ahead to 2025, the sector is expected to continue its growth, driven by innovations in digital bunkering, decarbonization, and emerging technologies, along with strong industry-government collaboration.
Summary
Financing & Investments: Banking Circle to Acquire Australian Settlements Limited to Expand in Australia; AEON Financial Acquires Vietnam’s PTF for $170 Million; NUS, Northern Trust, and UOB Launch Blockchain Initiative to Tokenize Green Bond Reporting; Sygnum Secures $58M, Achieves Unicorn Status with $1B+ Valuation; ABBANK Partners with Backbase to Launch Digital Banking Platform for SMEs; and Vietnam and Laos Launch Local Currency Payment Framework and QR Code System
Environmental Sustainability: Terviva Partners with Idemitsu Kosan to Develop Sustainable Aviation Fuel from Pongamia; India Launches First Green Hydrogen Hub with $21.6 Billion Investment; AM Green Partners with DP World to Boost Global Green Fuel Exports; Philippines and Japan Strengthen Climate Cooperation with New Initiatives; and Airbus Partners with SP Group to Reduce Energy Usage at Singapore Training Centre
Aviation: Koala Airlines Faces Winding-Up Petition Amid Financial Trouble; COMAC to Invest $1.36 Billion Annually in Shanghai’s Aircraft Industry; Huawei Partners with Hainan Airlines and Fangda Steel to Boost AI in Aviation and Steel Industries; Singapore Airlines Extends Sponsorship of F1 Singapore Grand Prix Until 2028; South Korea to Implement Sweeping Safety Reforms Across Transport Sector in 2025; Côn Đảo Airport to Be Upgraded to International Standards; and Vietnam Considers Approving Chinese-Made Aircraft
Advanced Air Mobility: China’s First Liquid Hydrogen-Powered eVTOL Completes Test Flight; EHang’s EH216-S eVTOL Completes First Demo Flight in Shanghai; Tata Elxsi and CSIR-NAL Partner to Drive Innovation in Advanced Air Mobility; and Sarla Aviation Raises $10 Million in Series A1 Funding
Artificial Intelligence: Hong Leong Bank Partners with WeBank Technology to Enhance AI and FinTech Capabilities; Malaysia and UAE Sign AI Partnership for Enhanced Security and Efficiency; SUTD Invests $50 Million to Integrate AI with Design Education; SK Telecom Launches AI Cloud Service Powered by Nvidia’s GPU; and Infineon Starts Construction on New Semiconductor Facility in Thailand
Marine: Piracy and Armed Robbery Rise in Asia in 2024, Says ReCAAP; Amogy Raises $56 Million to Commercialize Ammonia-to-Power Technology; and South Korea Launches Green Marine Fuel Infrastructure Fund
Space: Qantas Flights Delayed by SpaceX Rocket Debris; China's Space Station to Conduct 1,000+ Research Projects; China Successfully Launches Jielong-3 Rocket with 10 Navigation Satellites; China Launches First Remote Sensing Satellite for Pakistan; Japan's Space Agency Partners with Kumamoto Prefecture for Earthquake Damage Estimation Program; and Ispace Launches Resilience Lander in Second Attempt to Reach the Moon
Financing & Investments
Luxembourg-Australia
Banking Circle, a Luxembourg-licensed bank specializing in next-generation banking services, is set to acquire Australian Settlements Limited (ASL), an authorized deposit-taking institution, pending regulatory approvals.
💡ASL, which provides settlement and processing services for banks and payment companies in Australia, will complement Banking Circle’s existing operations through its regulated subsidiary, BC Payments Australia. The acquisition is expected to enhance financial services access for Australian institutions and improve the efficiency of Australian dollar transactions for international players.
Japan-Vietnam
AEON Financial Service, part of Japan’s AEON Group, has acquired Vietnam’s Post and Telecommunication Finance Company (PTF) from SeABank for approximately $170 million. The deal, valued at 4.3 trillion Vietnamese dong, was approved by the State Bank of Vietnam, making AEON Financial the sole owner of PTF.
The acquisition, finalized over a year after the initial agreement, aligns with SeABank’s strategy to restructure its capital base, strengthen its financial capacity, and expand operations through technology investments.
💡Established in 1998 as a non-bank credit institution, PTF was sold by Vietnam’s state-owned VNPT to SeABank in 2018 before this latest transaction. AEON Financial, active in Vietnam since 2008, provides installment-based consumer financing through collaborations with retailers.
Singapore
The National University of Singapore (NUS), in collaboration with Northern Trust and UOB, has launched an innovative initiative to tokenize green bond credentials, becoming the first university in Singapore to implement blockchain for Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) reporting. The project aims to enhance transparency, data integrity, and investor confidence in sustainable finance.
💡The tokenization initiative will leverage Northern Trust’s Matrix Zenith digital assets platform to create a green bond reporting token, which will hold data from NUS' third green bond, issued in 2023. This will allow investors to access secure, immutable, and reliable environmental impact data for their sustainability reporting obligations, with data remaining unchanged even as the bond is traded.
Singapore-Switzerland
Sygnum, a global digital asset banking group, has raised $58 million in an oversubscribed funding round, bringing its valuation to over $1 billion. The round, led by Fulgur Ventures, included participation from new and existing investors, as well as Sygnum’s co-founders, board, and team members, who retain majority ownership.
💡The funds will support Sygnum’s expansion in the European Union (EU) or the European Economic Area and Hong Kong, enhance institutional infrastructure, and develop Bitcoin-focused products.
Vietnam
An Binh Commercial Joint Stock Bank (ABBANK) has partnered with fintech company Backbase to launch its new digital banking platform, ABBANK Business. The initiative is part of ABBANK’s digital transformation strategy, aimed at simplifying banking services for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in Vietnam.
💡The ABBANK Business platform offers features such as customizable account numbers, quick bill payments, international money transfers, and a comprehensive dashboard for managing assets and transactions.
Vietnam-Laos
Vietnam and Laos have introduced a local currency payment framework and a cross-border QR code payment system to boost trade, investment, and tourism. Announced at the 47th Vietnam-Laos Intergovernmental Committee meeting, the initiative allows transactions in Vietnamese Dong and Lao Kip, reducing reliance on foreign currencies and lowering costs.
💡Developed by the State Bank of Vietnam and the Bank of the Lao P.D.R., the framework supports businesses and individuals. The QR payment system, operational for Vietnamese customers in Laos, enables quick, secure mobile payments, enhancing connectivity and facilitating tourism and personal exchanges.
Environmental Sustainability
Australia-Japan
Terviva has secured a strategic investment from Idemitsu Kosan to explore the production of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) from pongamia, an oilseed crop. The collaboration, alongside Australian firm Stanmore, will begin with a trial plantation in Queensland, Australia. The high-yielding pongamia oil will be processed using HEFA technology to produce SAF.
💡Idemitsu, aiming to produce 500,000 kL of SAF annually by 2028, will optimize the supply chain and explore additional uses for pongamia, including carbon credits and biomass. Terviva’s pongamia cultivars, developed over 15 years, are designed for high oil yield and sustainable cultivation, offering a promising alternative to fossil fuels.
India
India has launched its first green hydrogen hub in Andhra Pradesh, with a planned investment of $21.6 billion. The project aims to develop 20 GW of renewable energy and produce 1,500 tons per day of green hydrogen, along with 7,500 tons per day of derivatives such as green methanol, green urea, and sustainable aviation fuel.
💡Led by NTPC Green Energy Ltd., a subsidiary of the state-owned NTPC Ltd., the hub is expected to contribute to India’s goal of achieving 500 GW of non-fossil energy capacity by 2030. The initiative will also stimulate $2.15 billion in related investment for Andhra Pradesh. The first hub is set for completion by 2027, with a second hub planned for Rajasthan.
India-Global
AM Green has joined forces with DP World to establish a sustainable supply chain for green fuels and chemicals. The partnership, formalized through a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) signed in December, aims to develop logistics and storage infrastructure to support the export of 1 million tonnes per annum (MTPA) of green ammonia and methanol.
💡Key initiatives include expanding port infrastructure, creating bunkering facilities across Dubai, India, and Southeast Asia, and establishing strategic terminals in the EU, Far East, and UAE. AM Green, which produces green ammonia, hydrogen, and biofuels using renewable energy, targets a 5 MTPA production capacity by 2030, contributing to India’s net-zero goals and global decarbonization efforts. The company has already committed to a 1 MTPA Green Ammonia project in Kakinada, Andhra Pradesh.
Philippines-Japan
The Philippines and Japan have deepened their climate partnership with a focus on accelerating climate action and optimizing green and gray infrastructure. This follows a Memorandum of Cooperation signed in December 2023.
💡During the 2nd Philippine-Japan Environment Week, Philippine DENR Secretary Maria Antonia Yulo Loyzaga highlighted key areas of collaboration, including climate adaptation, clean energy, pollution control, and water management. The Philippines aims to boost reforestation, improve water infrastructure, and engage in carbon markets.
Singapore
Airbus has teamed up with power grid operator SP Group to reduce energy consumption at its Singapore training centre using advanced cooling technology. The new technology is expected to cut the building's annual carbon emissions by 180 tonnes of CO2 equivalent.
💡Following a successful trial launched in late 2024, Airbus plans to implement the technology, which uses artificial intelligence and the Internet of Things to control airflow, across the entire facility by March 2025.
Aviation
Australia
A creditor has filed a winding-up application against aviation start-up Koala Airlines. Wealth Creation Pty Ltd lodged the petition, with a Supreme Court of Victoria hearing set for 22 January. Koala, founded in 2018 by Bill Astling, gained attention last year as a potential competitor in domestic aviation after Bonza’s collapse. However, despite claiming to hold an Air Operator’s Certificate (AOC), no such certificate exists in the CASA register.
💡The company, which acquired Desert Air Safaris in 2019, aims to carve out a niche in Australia’s domestic aviation market. Koala has claimed its strategy will differ from past low-cost carriers that have struggled to sustain competition.
China
The Commercial Aircraft Corporation of China (COMAC) will invest 10 billion yuan ($1.36 billion) annually in research, development, and fixed assets in Shanghai over the next three years.
💡Qian Zhongyan, a senior executive at COMAC, highlighted plans to exceed 10 billion yuan in annual sales revenue from new aircraft. He also recommended long-term planning to develop a large aircraft industry cluster in Shanghai, with over 60 key enterprises and 150 suppliers by 2026.
China
Huawei has entered a strategic partnership with Hainan Airlines and Fangda Steel Technology to enhance China’s aviation and steel sectors through AI technologies. The collaboration will see Huawei provide AI-powered solutions, including Large Language Models (LLMs), smart transformation tools, and relevant technologies to both industries.
💡The alliance is expected to enhance digitization and market competitiveness, particularly in Fangda’s steel operations.
Singapore
Singapore Airlines (SIA) has renewed its title sponsorship of the Formula 1 Singapore Grand Prix through 2028. Since becoming the title sponsor in 2014, SIA has played a key role in boosting the race’s global profile.
💡Under the new agreement, the event will continue to be named the Formula 1 Singapore Airlines Singapore Grand Prix through the 2028 season, with the next race scheduled for October 3-5, 2025.
South Korea
South Korea’s Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport announced comprehensive safety reforms across the aviation, automobile, railway, and road sectors for 2025.
A key measure includes a nationwide inspection of all airports by January 24 to identify safety hazards, such as the removal or reconstruction of risky structures like the concrete mound at Muan International Airport, linked to the deadly December 2024 Jeju Air crash. The ministry will also inspect 18 air traffic control facilities for potential risks, including staffing shortages.
The overhaul will address issues in other transportation areas, such as electric vehicle (EV) fires and railway safety. A pilot program will be launched to improve EV battery safety, and new axle temperature monitoring systems will be installed on KTX trains to prevent derailments. Road safety will also be enhanced, particularly to address risks from heavy rainfall.
💡The government plans to announce a detailed aviation safety plan by April, with input from private experts, and will introduce new standards for road and construction safety to prevent incidents like building collapses.
Vietnam
Deputy Prime Minister Trần Hồng Hà has approved plans to upgrade Côn Đảo Airport into an international-standard facility through a Public-Private Partnership. The project includes runway improvements, expanded aviation infrastructure, and service buildings to accommodate larger aircraft like the Airbus A320 and Boeing 787.
💡Built in 2004, the airport’s infrastructure is outdated, with worn runways. The Ministry of Transport has allocated VNĐ1.68 trillion (US$70.3 million) for essential renovations. The airport aims to handle 2 million passengers by 2030 and 3 million by 2050. A master plan will be submitted to the Prime Minister by mid-2025.
Vietnam
Vietnam has announced plans to review regulatory barriers to allow Chinese-made aircraft, particularly the COMAC C919 and the upcoming C929, to operate within its airspace.
💡COMAC, which currently operates mostly within China, is aiming to break into international markets, with Vietnam’s aviation authority set to assess whether its aircraft meet global airworthiness standards.
Advanced Air Mobility
China
China has successfully tested its first liquid hydrogen-powered uncrewed electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft in Baoji city, Shaanxi Province. Developed by Shaanxi Tongchen Heguang Cryogenic Technology, Dreamfly Technology, and Qing Power Technology, the aircraft can fly for 4-5 hours, covering 800-1,000 km at 240 km/h on a single refuel.
💡The eVTOL has potential applications in firefighting, transportation, and agriculture.
China
EHang Holdings has successfully completed the inaugural demo flight of its pilotless passenger-carrying aerial vehicle, the EH216-S, in downtown Shanghai. This flight is part of the launch of regular trial operations along the Huangpu River. Longhua Airport, where the flight took place, will serve as a hub for these operations, with plans to expand across the Yangtze River Delta.
💡The initiative is aligned with Shanghai's "Action Plan for High-Quality Development of Low-Altitude Economy Industry (2024-2027)," which targets RMB 50 billion in industry scale by 2027, aiming to position Shanghai as a global leader in urban air mobility (UAM) services.
India
Tata Elxsi and CSIR-NAL have signed an MoU to collaborate on advanced air mobility, focusing on UAVs, UAM, and eVTOL aircraft. Combining NAL's aeronautical expertise with Tata Elxsi’s capabilities in electrification, AI/ML, and certification, the partnership aims to accelerate product development for sectors like logistics, agriculture, and urban transportation.
💡It will also support the growth of India’s air mobility ecosystem, contributing to manufacturing, regulations, and sustainability in the sector.
India
Sarla Aviation has raised $10 million in Series A1 funding, led by Accel and Nikhil Kamath, with participation from angel investors including Binny Bansal and Sriharsha Majety. This funding will help support the company’s efforts to improve transportation in India by developing affordable and sustainable air mobility solutions.
💡Sarla is set to unveil its first flying taxi prototype, "Shunya," at the Bharat Mobility Global Expo in New Delhi on January 17, 2025. The company plans to begin test flights and continue developing prototypes, with plans for a market launch by 2028, starting in Bangalore and expanding to other major cities.
Artificial Intelligence
Malaysia-China
Hong Leong Bank (HLB) has entered a strategic partnership with WeBank Technology Services, a subsidiary of China’s largest digital bank, WeBank, to enhance its FinTech and AI capabilities. The collaboration aims to strengthen HLB’s position as a leading digital-first financial institution in Malaysia by leveraging cutting-edge AI to improve operational efficiency and deliver personalized financial solutions.
💡The agreement, signed with WeBank's financial partners from Thailand, Indonesia, and Hong Kong, will focus on developing AI-driven automation tools to enhance productivity across HLB's salesforce and operational teams. The partnership will also extend capabilities in data systems, marketing, and campaign management, improving customer-focused services.
Malaysia-UAE
Malaysia and the UAE have signed an agreement to collaborate on AI and data analytics, focusing on improving national security, community safety, and operational efficiency. Key areas of cooperation include developing AI-driven security systems, creating high-performance computing centers, and enhancing customs tax collection.
💡The deal, signed by UAE Minister Mohamed Alsuwaidi and Malaysia’s Minister Saifuddin Nasution Ismail, builds on the recent Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA). This strengthens economic ties, with non-oil trade between the two countries reaching $2.5 billion in the first half of 2024. Malaysia will also begin negotiations for a free trade agreement with Gulf countries in May 2025.
Singapore
The Singapore University of Technology and Design (SUTD) is investing $50 million over the next three to five years to focus on the intersection of AI and design. A significant portion of the funds will go towards developing an in-house AI platform aimed at enhancing human-AI collaboration. SUTD will introduce a compulsory AI course for undergraduates and launch a master's program in design AI for postgraduates starting in September 2025.
💡SUTD’s Design and AI (DAI) program, introduced in 2022, has seen growing enrollment, with the first batch of graduates in 2024 securing jobs in fields like architecture and telecommunications. However, some graduates noted challenges in transitioning to the workforce, citing gaps in technical skills compared to specialized computer science peers. Despite this, the program is designed to address the AI talent shortage and produce versatile graduates skilled in both AI and design innovation.
South Korea
SK Telecom has launched a new AI cloud service utilizing Nvidia's H100 graphic processing unit (GPU), in partnership with U.S. cloud firm Lambda. The GPU-as-a-service (GPUaaS) platform, housed in SK Telecom’s AI data center in Gasan, Seoul, aims to provide stable AI learning and inference, offering flexible GPU options for users based on their needs.
💡This marks Lambda’s first data center region in the Asia-Pacific, while SK Telecom plans to integrate Nvidia’s upcoming H200 chip in early 2025, making it the first South Korean company to do so. SK Telecom has set its sights on establishing South Korea as a leading AI data center hub in the region, integrating AI infrastructure, GPUaaS, and edge AI services.
Thailand
Infineon Technologies has begun building a semiconductor backend production site in Samut Prakan, Thailand, set to begin operations in early 2026. The facility will support Southeast Asia’s semiconductor supply chain and may expand based on market demand. Infineon provides a comprehensive training program in AI, digitalization, and automation. The first group of Thai engineers has already completed their training at Infineon’s other facilities.
💡Supported by Thailand’s Board of Investment (BOI), the project aligns with the country’s strategy to attract $14.4 billion in semiconductor investments by 2029. Infineon’s expansion also includes new facilities in Malaysia, Romania, Taiwan, and China.
Marine
Asia
The ReCAAP Information Sharing Centre's 2024 report shows a 6% increase in piracy and armed robbery incidents in Asia, with 107 cases reported, up from 101 in 2023. Of these, 96 were actual incidents and 11 were attempted. The rise in unsuccessful boardings is attributed to increased vigilance by crews in regions like Bangladesh, Indonesia, and the Straits of Malacca and Singapore (SOMS).
While incidents declined in India, the Philippines, Thailand, and Vietnam, they rose in Bangladesh and Indonesia. Notably, incidents involving armed perpetrators increased, with two kidnappings reported for the first time since 2020.
💡The SOMS remains a hotspot, accounting for 58% of the incidents, mainly involving bulk carriers and tankers. While there were no reported crew abductions for ransom in the Sulu-Celebes Seas, the threat persists due to the Abu Sayyaf Group’s presence.
South Korea
Amogy, a provider of ammonia-to-power solutions, announced it raised $56 million in venture financing to commercialize its technology in maritime and stationary power markets. The round, co-led by Aramco Ventures and SV Investment, brings Amogy’s total funding to over $270 million. New investors include Samsung Heavy Industries, BHP Ventures, and Hanwha Investment, among others.
💡Amogy’s patented ammonia-powered system splits ammonia into hydrogen and nitrogen, generating power with zero carbon emissions. The company has already demonstrated its technology on various platforms, including drones, trucks, and a tugboat. The NH3 Kraken trial is the final technical step before commercialization, with plans for global deployment by 2026.
South Korea
South Korea has introduced a green marine fuel infrastructure fund, co-established by the Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries and the Korea Ocean Business Corporation (KOBC), with an investment of Won1 trillion ($680m) by 2030. The fund will focus on building port storage facilities for LNG, methanol, and ammonia, and constructing bunkering vessels.
The first project is the expansion of liquid cargo storage at Hyundai Oil Terminal in Ulsan, costing Won240 billion, aimed at stabilizing methanol fuel demand. The second project involves the Yeosu Myodo LNG hub terminal, budgeted at Won1.4 trillion, set to be completed by 2027.
💡The fund follows the 2023 policy to offer subsidies for eco-friendly bunkering vessels and promote private investment in green marine fuels. Ulsan will serve as a key hub for green marine fuel supplies, boosting the global competitiveness of South Korean ports.
Space
Australia
Qantas flights between Sydney and Johannesburg have faced delays due to falling debris from SpaceX rockets re-entering Earth's atmosphere. The airline had to adjust flight schedules after receiving last-minute warnings about rocket re-entries over the southern Indian Ocean. Unpredictable re-entry paths have caused delays of up to six hours.
💡As space activity increases, the issue of space debris is raising concerns for air safety, prompting efforts to improve re-entry predictions and establish safety protocols.
China
China's space station will lead over 1,000 research projects in the next decade, focusing on space life science, microgravity physics, and new technologies. Key studies will explore the effects of space on biology, materials science, and energy systems, while advancements in space-based telescopes will address dark matter and cosmic radiation.
💡The station has already contributed to over 180 in-orbit projects, publishing 500+ papers and securing 150 patents. Significant breakthroughs include space-grown rice germplasm and advancements in regenerative medicine and space ecology.
China
On January 12, China successfully launched the Jielong-3 solid rocket from a mobile sea platform off Haiyang, placing 10 Centispace-01 navigation enhancement satellites into orbit. The satellites, developed by Future Navigation, will augment GNSS signals like Beidou and GPS, providing precision navigation services for applications such as autonomous driving, agriculture, and disaster management.
💡The launch is the fifth of the Jielong-3 rocket, which has a payload capacity of up to 1,600 kg. The mission also marked China’s second successful orbital launch of 2025. China plans to conduct more than 100 launches annually starting in 2027.
China-Pakistan
On January 16, China successfully launched the PRSC-EO1, the first satellite in Pakistan's new remote sensing constellation, aboard a Long March 2D rocket from Jiuquan. The satellite, part of a multi-launch contract between China and Pakistan, will aid in land mapping, agriculture, urban planning, disaster monitoring, and more.
💡The mission also carried two additional satellites: DAO-1, developed by Galaxy Space, and Blue Carbon-1, by Geespace. This launch marks China's third orbital mission of 2024, as the country aims for around 100 launches this year.
Japan
On January 17, Japan’s space agency, JAXA, signed an agreement with Kumamoto Prefecture to develop a program that estimates building damage from earthquakes using satellite images. The program, which analyzes pre- and post-earthquake satellite images, can assess damage within 2-3 hours, even in bad weather or at night. JAXA will receive 200,000 data points from the 2016 Kumamoto earthquake to improve accuracy.
💡The program aims to aid disaster response by identifying the hardest-hit areas, ensuring faster and more efficient aid delivery. JAXA expects the system to be ready for nationwide use in a few years.
Japan
Japan-based space startup, Ispace, launched its Resilience lunar lander from Kennedy Space Center on January 17, 2025, aiming for a moon landing by the end of May. This marks the company’s second attempt after a failed mission in 2023. If successful, Ispace would become the first Japanese company to land on the moon.
The lander will deploy Ispace's micro rover, Tenacious, which will collect lunar regolith. The collected material will be transferred to NASA, marking the first commercial space resource transaction by a Japanese company.
💡The launch also carried Firefly Aerospace's Blue Ghost lander, marking the first simultaneous launch of private lunar landers. Blue Ghost will land in March 2025.
**Nothing in this article is intended to be or should be construed as legal or financial advice.**