ispace Establishes New Saudi Arabia Entity to Deepen Lunar Exploration Cooperation
Japanese lunar specialist ispace to launch a local subsidiary in the Kingdom to strengthen partnerships and support Saudi Arabia’s space ambitions
ispace, a Japanese commercial lunar exploration company, has resolved to establish a new legal entity in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to deepen collaboration on space and lunar exploration activities as part of the company’s global expansion.
The decision, approved by ispace’s board of directors on December 8, 2025, reflects the company’s strategy to strengthen ties with Saudi stakeholders and explore mutually beneficial partnerships in the Middle East’s burgeoning space sector.
The subsidiary is expected to be formally established in 2026 once required licences and government authorisations are obtained.
The new Saudi entity will join ispace’s existing operations in Japan, the United States and Luxembourg.
It is aimed at fostering long-term collaboration and supporting initiatives that align with the Kingdom’s growing focus on space science, technology and exploration within its Vision 2030 framework, which seeks to diversify the economy and position Saudi Arabia as a leader in advanced aerospace development.
The move also builds on earlier agreements between ispace and local partners such as the King Fahd University of Petroleum & Minerals, where a memorandum of understanding was signed to investigate lunar exploration technologies and spacecraft development opportunities.
The planned subsidiary will facilitate closer cooperation with Saudi research institutions, government agencies and industry players to identify and develop lunar mission projects, scientific research collaborations, capacity-building activities and technology transfer opportunities.
With the Kingdom intensifying its presence in the global space economy, ispace’s establishment of a local arm underscores both parties’ commitment to advancing lunar exploration and creating a sustainable framework for future missions and academic engagement.
The decision, approved by ispace’s board of directors on December 8, 2025, reflects the company’s strategy to strengthen ties with Saudi stakeholders and explore mutually beneficial partnerships in the Middle East’s burgeoning space sector.
The subsidiary is expected to be formally established in 2026 once required licences and government authorisations are obtained.
The new Saudi entity will join ispace’s existing operations in Japan, the United States and Luxembourg.
It is aimed at fostering long-term collaboration and supporting initiatives that align with the Kingdom’s growing focus on space science, technology and exploration within its Vision 2030 framework, which seeks to diversify the economy and position Saudi Arabia as a leader in advanced aerospace development.
The move also builds on earlier agreements between ispace and local partners such as the King Fahd University of Petroleum & Minerals, where a memorandum of understanding was signed to investigate lunar exploration technologies and spacecraft development opportunities.
The planned subsidiary will facilitate closer cooperation with Saudi research institutions, government agencies and industry players to identify and develop lunar mission projects, scientific research collaborations, capacity-building activities and technology transfer opportunities.
With the Kingdom intensifying its presence in the global space economy, ispace’s establishment of a local arm underscores both parties’ commitment to advancing lunar exploration and creating a sustainable framework for future missions and academic engagement.
