Japanese space startup ispace announced on Friday that, in response to the failures of two previous lunar lander missions, the company is undertaking strategic adjustments. These changes include postponing the U.S. government-funded lunar exploration mission to 2030 and implementing global staff layoffs. At present, the United States is restructuring its space missions in partnership with commercial entities and international collaborators. Additionally, ispace has outlined plans to deploy five lunar orbiters by 2030, which will offer communication, navigation, and surface observation services for lunar activities. The company’s Chief Financial Officer, Junpei Nozaki, indicated that these strategic shifts will result in costs amounting to several million U.S. dollars and may necessitate further equity financing. Since going public in Tokyo in 2023, ispace has encountered two unsuccessful lunar landing attempts, resulting in sustained financial losses and a notable decline in its stock value. As of the previous year, ispace employed around 300 individuals across Japan, the United States, and Luxembourg. The company’s third mission, slated for 2028, will feature the “Ultra” lunar lander, designed to transport 200 kilograms of payload to the lunar surface.