Epiroc will develop and provide technology and solutions toward's ispace's long-term plans to support human life on the moon.

Ispace plans to explore the lunar surface and collect relevant data, and as part of that effort ispace and Epiroc are partnering to develop solutions to be used as early as 2024. 

"Epiroc is very excited to collaborate with ispace to develop and provide technology and solutions together to begin exploring the Moon's surface with the ultimate goal of supporting and expanding human life in a sustainable way," says Helena Hedblom, Epiroc's President and chief executive. "We look forward to our continued collaboration to make the mission successful." 

Once seen as a pipe dream, in recent years, there have been significant developments in space technology, including the successful testing of reusable rockets and the establishment of the International Space Station. Additionally, private companies such as SpaceX and Blue Origin have made significant investments in space exploration and commercialisation.

These advancements have made the possibility of moon development more feasible than it may have been a few years ago. However, there is still the high cost of space exploration and the lack of established infrastructure on the Moon.

"I am very pleased to sign this agreement with Epiroc," says Takeshi Hakamada, Founder and chief executive of ispace. "ispace is pioneering the Cislunar ecosystem to open new opportunities for governments and industry players. Our collaboration to develop technology and solutions in the field of space resources in a sustainable and responsible manner for future lunar missions is another step to realising ispace's vision."

Direct mining on the moon has also become a more realistic option in recent years, although in February, astrophysicists said that rather than looking to the moon for critical minerals to power the energy transition, miners should use its dust to create a solar shield that protects Earth from further warning.