NASA’s LROC has released a high-resolution image of the landing site for Japan’s ispace SMBC and HAKUTO-R Mission 2 lunar lander, named RESILIENCE. Scheduled to launch on June 5, 2025, the mission will touch down near the north pole of the Moon in the Mare Frigoris region.
The landing site was chosen for its relative smoothness and scientific interest. The area is a basaltic plain built around 3.5 billion years ago, featuring ancient lava flow with wrinkle ridges created by tectonic features during lunar cooling. This geological history provides valuable clues about the Moon’s surface.
RESILIENCE is Japan’s second lunar mission, following HAKUTO-R in 2023, which ended due to a crash landing. The commercial venture aims to demonstrate key technologies for future lunar logistics, long-term infrastructure, and resource exploration.
The new image helps scientists refine their landing path and gain a better understanding of the site. A successful RESILIENCE mission would mark another step towards humanity’s renewed presence on the Moon, with the Artemis program and growing international interest in lunar exploration driving innovation and development.
Source: https://www.gadgets360.com/science/news/nasas-lroc-captures-ispace-resilience-landing-site-ahead-of-june-2025-lunar-touchdown-8453380