ispace technologies U.S. (ispace-U.S.), a subsidiary of ispace, inc., and Argo Space Corp. have formalized a contract for the delivery of ispace’s Lunar Connect communication relay satellite, named Alpine, to lunar orbit. This agreement, finalized on September 17, 2026, follows an initial announcement made in March 2026 and paves the way for the launch of ispace Mission 2.5, which is scheduled to take place as early as 2027.
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The Alpine satellite will serve as the inaugural asset in ispace’s Lunar Connect Service, part of a planned constellation designed to offer communication and positioning services across the Moon's surface and orbit. Argo will utilize its Argonaut vehicle, which is powered by water, to transport the satellite to lunar orbit. This distinct vehicle is engineered to deliver customer assets responsively and affordably, including to cislunar space.
ispace’s Lunar Connect Service aims to deploy at least five satellites around the Moon, providing communication, positioning, observation, and Space Situational Awareness for entities involved in the emerging cislunar economy. Additional satellites are anticipated to be launched by 2030, with transportation efforts to include both ispace’s own lunar landers and orbital transfer vehicles, as well as services from third parties like Argo.
Based in Englewood, Colorado, ispace-U.S. provides lunar surface and orbit transportation services and infrastructure for government, academic, and commercial clients. The company is positioning itself to secure future Commercial Lunar Payload Service task orders from NASA, particularly as the agency advances its Artemis program.
Elizabeth Kryst, CEO of ispace-U.S., stated that establishing infrastructure in lunar orbit is crucial for developing a lunar economy. The launch of the first Lunar Connect satellite will facilitate the provision of necessary communication and positioning services as lunar activities increase.
Robert Carlisle, CEO of Argo Space, noted that this mission illustrates the potential for commercial collaboration to enhance access to the Moon, supporting both commercial uses and NASA’s lunar initiatives. He emphasized that Argo’s transportation capabilities will contribute to developing a cost-effective logistics network essential for a sustainable lunar economy.
ispace-U.S. focuses on leveraging lunar resources to enable permanent human presence and economic opportunities on the Moon. Argo Space designs and operates refuelable spacecraft for flexible asset delivery across various orbits and is headquartered in El Segundo, California.