Japan's ispace and Kurita Water team up to mine Moon water for future colonies

Japanese lunar company ispace has teamed up with Kurita Water Industries to develop water extraction and treatment on the Moon. The partnership marks their second collaboration, following a previous agreement. Both firms aim to support long-term human activity on the lunar surface by securing vital water resources.

ispace recently allocated ¥2 billion ($12.9 million) in shares to Kurita Water Industries, reinforcing their joint commitment to this project.

The two companies signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to explore business models for lunar water extraction. Their work will include payload development and testing water processing technology on the Moon. ispace CEO Takeshi Hakamada has emphasised that water is essential for building a sustainable cislunar economy.

Japan has shown strong interest in lunar resource extraction, with ispace playing a key role in these efforts. The company is also expanding its partnerships to strengthen its position in the growing lunar market. In September, ispace announced another mission with ElevationSpace to retrieve lunar rocks, further broadening its commercial activities. By combining Kurita’s water treatment expertise with ispace’s lunar infrastructure, the collaboration aims to create reliable systems for future Moon missions. The focus remains on making water accessible for drinking, fuel production, and other critical needs in space.

The partnership between ispace and Kurita Water Industries moves Japan closer to establishing a self-sustaining presence on the Moon. With funding secured and technical plans underway, the companies are preparing for practical demonstrations of water extraction. Success in this area could shape the future of lunar exploration and resource use.