logo
MG's new ute to be available with tough Australian-made accessories

MG's new ute to be available with tough Australian-made accessories

MG Motor Australia has partnered with multiple Australian aftermarket companies to develop accessories for its incoming U9 ute, all of which will be available as genuine parts.
The U9 is due to go on sale in Australia in the fourth quarter of 2025, and with local testing already underway, MG has joined forces with the likes of HSP, ARB, and AutoPacific to prepare a suite of accessories including bullbars, protection, tub lids and load racks that will be available as dealer options.
HSP in particular – an Australian-based company that develops and manufactures accessories in Victoria – has already completed its prototype and testing phase and will have a series of parts available for the U9 from launch.
The announcement follows similar partnerships announced in recent months, like BYD joining forces with Ironman 4×4 to develop accessories for the Shark 6.
Hundreds of new car deals are available through CarExpert right now. Get the experts on your side and score a great deal. Browse now.
"Our MG team is very excited about the MG U9. We are working hard to ensure customers will be able to accessorise their ute for whatever adventure they have planned," said MG Motor Australia CEO Peter Ciao in a statement.
"We have met with a range of companies including HSP and AutoPacific so far and have more potential suppliers to meet.
"We know Australians love to modify their ute, and the MG U9 will be ready for every adventure families plan with it. We can't wait to launch the MG U9 in spring this year."
HSP director Massih Aimaq says the company is excited to work with MG – especially in the context of an influx of new utes from China and Korea.
"We had already done some preliminary work on the vehicle platform, so it made sense to progress the conversation commercially – especially as we've worked with some of the key MG team members in the past," he said.
"HSP products will be ready ahead of the MG U9's official launch, with prototyping and test-fitting already completed and only minor tweaks remaining."
HSP products to be available for the U9 include an electric "Roll R Cover", ladder load rack, sliding bed loader, and an as-yet-unreleased manual roller cover. The company says it won't offer its tailgate assist and central locking kit for the U9, as it will feature these systems as standard.
Similarly, the U9's semi-integrated sailplane means an aftermarket sports bar is unlikely.
HSP's research and development director Masood Aimaq says the U9 presents a unique challenge in developing and adapting its pre-existing accessories.
"There are so many unique elements to the MG ute that we've had to revisit the drawing board several times to ensure our products don't just complement the vehicle's look but integrate seamlessly with how it's used," he said.
"We have developed features like factory remote and central locking, and we'll be offering voice activation for the Roll R Cover via the HSP 4×4 app, something that's uniquely ours."
It's not the first time HSP has partnered with a vehicle manufacturer in Australia. It has previously worked with Nissan to develop dealer-fit accessories for its Navara ute, and had its electric roller cover fitted as standard for the limited-run Navara Black Edition.
As for the other brands, ARB is known for its broad range of bullbars and vehicle protection accessories, while AutoPacific manufactures a range of towing and cargo storage products for various vehicles.
While MG has sold utes in other markets before, the U9 – a twin to the upcoming Terron 9 from fellow SAIC Motor brand LDV – will be its first ute in Australia.
MORE: 2026 MG U9 – Australian testing underway for China's next Ranger, HiLux rival
MORE: BYD partners with Ironman 4×4 for Shark 6 accessories
Content originally sourced from: CarExpert.com.au
MG Motor Australia has partnered with multiple Australian aftermarket companies to develop accessories for its incoming U9 ute, all of which will be available as genuine parts.
The U9 is due to go on sale in Australia in the fourth quarter of 2025, and with local testing already underway, MG has joined forces with the likes of HSP, ARB, and AutoPacific to prepare a suite of accessories including bullbars, protection, tub lids and load racks that will be available as dealer options.
HSP in particular – an Australian-based company that develops and manufactures accessories in Victoria – has already completed its prototype and testing phase and will have a series of parts available for the U9 from launch.
The announcement follows similar partnerships announced in recent months, like BYD joining forces with Ironman 4×4 to develop accessories for the Shark 6.
Hundreds of new car deals are available through CarExpert right now. Get the experts on your side and score a great deal. Browse now.
"Our MG team is very excited about the MG U9. We are working hard to ensure customers will be able to accessorise their ute for whatever adventure they have planned," said MG Motor Australia CEO Peter Ciao in a statement.
"We have met with a range of companies including HSP and AutoPacific so far and have more potential suppliers to meet.
"We know Australians love to modify their ute, and the MG U9 will be ready for every adventure families plan with it. We can't wait to launch the MG U9 in spring this year."
HSP director Massih Aimaq says the company is excited to work with MG – especially in the context of an influx of new utes from China and Korea.
"We had already done some preliminary work on the vehicle platform, so it made sense to progress the conversation commercially – especially as we've worked with some of the key MG team members in the past," he said.
"HSP products will be ready ahead of the MG U9's official launch, with prototyping and test-fitting already completed and only minor tweaks remaining."
HSP products to be available for the U9 include an electric "Roll R Cover", ladder load rack, sliding bed loader, and an as-yet-unreleased manual roller cover. The company says it won't offer its tailgate assist and central locking kit for the U9, as it will feature these systems as standard.
Similarly, the U9's semi-integrated sailplane means an aftermarket sports bar is unlikely.
HSP's research and development director Masood Aimaq says the U9 presents a unique challenge in developing and adapting its pre-existing accessories.
"There are so many unique elements to the MG ute that we've had to revisit the drawing board several times to ensure our products don't just complement the vehicle's look but integrate seamlessly with how it's used," he said.
"We have developed features like factory remote and central locking, and we'll be offering voice activation for the Roll R Cover via the HSP 4×4 app, something that's uniquely ours."
It's not the first time HSP has partnered with a vehicle manufacturer in Australia. It has previously worked with Nissan to develop dealer-fit accessories for its Navara ute, and had its electric roller cover fitted as standard for the limited-run Navara Black Edition.
As for the other brands, ARB is known for its broad range of bullbars and vehicle protection accessories, while AutoPacific manufactures a range of towing and cargo storage products for various vehicles.
While MG has sold utes in other markets before, the U9 – a twin to the upcoming Terron 9 from fellow SAIC Motor brand LDV – will be its first ute in Australia.
MORE: 2026 MG U9 – Australian testing underway for China's next Ranger, HiLux rival
MORE: BYD partners with Ironman 4×4 for Shark 6 accessories
Content originally sourced from: CarExpert.com.au
MG Motor Australia has partnered with multiple Australian aftermarket companies to develop accessories for its incoming U9 ute, all of which will be available as genuine parts.
The U9 is due to go on sale in Australia in the fourth quarter of 2025, and with local testing already underway, MG has joined forces with the likes of HSP, ARB, and AutoPacific to prepare a suite of accessories including bullbars, protection, tub lids and load racks that will be available as dealer options.
HSP in particular – an Australian-based company that develops and manufactures accessories in Victoria – has already completed its prototype and testing phase and will have a series of parts available for the U9 from launch.
The announcement follows similar partnerships announced in recent months, like BYD joining forces with Ironman 4×4 to develop accessories for the Shark 6.
Hundreds of new car deals are available through CarExpert right now. Get the experts on your side and score a great deal. Browse now.
"Our MG team is very excited about the MG U9. We are working hard to ensure customers will be able to accessorise their ute for whatever adventure they have planned," said MG Motor Australia CEO Peter Ciao in a statement.
"We have met with a range of companies including HSP and AutoPacific so far and have more potential suppliers to meet.
"We know Australians love to modify their ute, and the MG U9 will be ready for every adventure families plan with it. We can't wait to launch the MG U9 in spring this year."
HSP director Massih Aimaq says the company is excited to work with MG – especially in the context of an influx of new utes from China and Korea.
"We had already done some preliminary work on the vehicle platform, so it made sense to progress the conversation commercially – especially as we've worked with some of the key MG team members in the past," he said.
"HSP products will be ready ahead of the MG U9's official launch, with prototyping and test-fitting already completed and only minor tweaks remaining."
HSP products to be available for the U9 include an electric "Roll R Cover", ladder load rack, sliding bed loader, and an as-yet-unreleased manual roller cover. The company says it won't offer its tailgate assist and central locking kit for the U9, as it will feature these systems as standard.
Similarly, the U9's semi-integrated sailplane means an aftermarket sports bar is unlikely.
HSP's research and development director Masood Aimaq says the U9 presents a unique challenge in developing and adapting its pre-existing accessories.
"There are so many unique elements to the MG ute that we've had to revisit the drawing board several times to ensure our products don't just complement the vehicle's look but integrate seamlessly with how it's used," he said.
"We have developed features like factory remote and central locking, and we'll be offering voice activation for the Roll R Cover via the HSP 4×4 app, something that's uniquely ours."
It's not the first time HSP has partnered with a vehicle manufacturer in Australia. It has previously worked with Nissan to develop dealer-fit accessories for its Navara ute, and had its electric roller cover fitted as standard for the limited-run Navara Black Edition.
As for the other brands, ARB is known for its broad range of bullbars and vehicle protection accessories, while AutoPacific manufactures a range of towing and cargo storage products for various vehicles.
While MG has sold utes in other markets before, the U9 – a twin to the upcoming Terron 9 from fellow SAIC Motor brand LDV – will be its first ute in Australia.
MORE: 2026 MG U9 – Australian testing underway for China's next Ranger, HiLux rival
MORE: BYD partners with Ironman 4×4 for Shark 6 accessories
Content originally sourced from: CarExpert.com.au
MG Motor Australia has partnered with multiple Australian aftermarket companies to develop accessories for its incoming U9 ute, all of which will be available as genuine parts.
The U9 is due to go on sale in Australia in the fourth quarter of 2025, and with local testing already underway, MG has joined forces with the likes of HSP, ARB, and AutoPacific to prepare a suite of accessories including bullbars, protection, tub lids and load racks that will be available as dealer options.
HSP in particular – an Australian-based company that develops and manufactures accessories in Victoria – has already completed its prototype and testing phase and will have a series of parts available for the U9 from launch.
The announcement follows similar partnerships announced in recent months, like BYD joining forces with Ironman 4×4 to develop accessories for the Shark 6.
Hundreds of new car deals are available through CarExpert right now. Get the experts on your side and score a great deal. Browse now.
"Our MG team is very excited about the MG U9. We are working hard to ensure customers will be able to accessorise their ute for whatever adventure they have planned," said MG Motor Australia CEO Peter Ciao in a statement.
"We have met with a range of companies including HSP and AutoPacific so far and have more potential suppliers to meet.
"We know Australians love to modify their ute, and the MG U9 will be ready for every adventure families plan with it. We can't wait to launch the MG U9 in spring this year."
HSP director Massih Aimaq says the company is excited to work with MG – especially in the context of an influx of new utes from China and Korea.
"We had already done some preliminary work on the vehicle platform, so it made sense to progress the conversation commercially – especially as we've worked with some of the key MG team members in the past," he said.
"HSP products will be ready ahead of the MG U9's official launch, with prototyping and test-fitting already completed and only minor tweaks remaining."
HSP products to be available for the U9 include an electric "Roll R Cover", ladder load rack, sliding bed loader, and an as-yet-unreleased manual roller cover. The company says it won't offer its tailgate assist and central locking kit for the U9, as it will feature these systems as standard.
Similarly, the U9's semi-integrated sailplane means an aftermarket sports bar is unlikely.
HSP's research and development director Masood Aimaq says the U9 presents a unique challenge in developing and adapting its pre-existing accessories.
"There are so many unique elements to the MG ute that we've had to revisit the drawing board several times to ensure our products don't just complement the vehicle's look but integrate seamlessly with how it's used," he said.
"We have developed features like factory remote and central locking, and we'll be offering voice activation for the Roll R Cover via the HSP 4×4 app, something that's uniquely ours."
It's not the first time HSP has partnered with a vehicle manufacturer in Australia. It has previously worked with Nissan to develop dealer-fit accessories for its Navara ute, and had its electric roller cover fitted as standard for the limited-run Navara Black Edition.
As for the other brands, ARB is known for its broad range of bullbars and vehicle protection accessories, while AutoPacific manufactures a range of towing and cargo storage products for various vehicles.
While MG has sold utes in other markets before, the U9 – a twin to the upcoming Terron 9 from fellow SAIC Motor brand LDV – will be its first ute in Australia.
MORE: 2026 MG U9 – Australian testing underway for China's next Ranger, HiLux rival
MORE: BYD partners with Ironman 4×4 for Shark 6 accessories
Content originally sourced from: CarExpert.com.au

Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

Australia should not ‘relinquish' biosecurity standards for US
Australia should not ‘relinquish' biosecurity standards for US

Sky News AU

time2 hours ago

  • Sky News AU

Australia should not ‘relinquish' biosecurity standards for US

Nationals Leader David Littleproud claims Australia does not 'fear competition' amid the trade talks on beef with US President Donald Trump. 'We don't fear the fact of us competing with the US beef that's already coming into Australian markets,' Mr Littleproud told Sky News Australia. 'What we do fear is a drop in biosecurity standards that would pose a biosecurity risk that could damage our herd, cost Australian farmers billions. 'We have the best biosecurity in the world … we shouldn't relinquish that to anybody.'

2026 MG U9 ute: Payload, GVM and other key details revealed for Ford Ranger rival
2026 MG U9 ute: Payload, GVM and other key details revealed for Ford Ranger rival

The Advertiser

time3 hours ago

  • The Advertiser

2026 MG U9 ute: Payload, GVM and other key details revealed for Ford Ranger rival

The upcoming MG U9 ute has received Australian Design Rule certification that approves it for local roads, and documents seen by CarExpert have revealed some key figures for the first time. The first ute to wear the MG nameplate in Australia is due for release here during the fourth quarter of 2025. Two variants appear in the approval documents, both of which are dual-cab pickups powered by a 2.5-litre four-cylinder turbo-diesel engine producing 160kW of power and mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission and what's referred to as an automatic all-wheel drive system. A torque figure isn't listed, though Chinese data suggests it will be 520Nm. Hundreds of new car deals are available through CarExpert right now. Get the experts on your side and score a great deal. Browse now. While both unnamed variants have a braked towing capacity of 3500kg, matching the class leaders, they differ in both tare mass and gross vehicle mass. The former has a gross vehicle mass (GVM) of 3500kg and a tare mass of 2398kg, from which we can calculate a payload figure of 1102kg. The other variant has a GVM of 3320kg and a tare mass of 2498kg, resulting in a payload figure of 822kg. The MG U9 measures a sizeable 5500mm long, 1997mm wide and 1860mm tall on a 3300mm wheelbase. An optional luggage rack bumps height up to 1874mm. For context, the Ford Ranger 4×4 dual-cab measures 5403mm long, 1918mm wide and 1886mm tall on a 3270mm wheelbase, making the new MG ute notably larger. Dual-cab Rangers also offer a payload figure of between 929kg and 1018kg depending on the variant. Ground clearance for the MG is 220mm, and the U9 will ride on either 18- or optional 20-inch wheels. Other previously confirmed available features include a massaging driver's seat, "flexible seat functionality to maximise storage and comfort", a JBL sound system, and even walkthrough cab/tub capability. While the U9 is a rebadged version of the upcoming LDV Terron 9, there won't be an EV counterpart for the upcoming eTerron 9 electric ute from MG's SAIC sister brand LDV, at least initially. "We're considering other drivetrains [for the U9] at the moment, but probably not the EV in the first instance. We're considering something else [like] plug in hybrid," said chief commercial officer Giles Belcher earlier this year. Local testing of the U9 is underway, and MG has joined forces with the likes of HSP, ARB, and AutoPacific to prepare a suite of genuine accessories including bullbars, protection, tub lids and load racks to be made available as dealer options. The U9 is a key part of MG's plan to become a top-three auto brand in Australia by the end of this decade, and will be one of a raft of new models it releases in new segments for the brand. This also includes the seven-seat QS large SUV and the more premium IM5 and IM6 electric vehicles (EVs), all of which will reach local showrooms in the coming months. MORE: MG's new ute to be available with tough Australian-made accessories Content originally sourced from: The upcoming MG U9 ute has received Australian Design Rule certification that approves it for local roads, and documents seen by CarExpert have revealed some key figures for the first time. The first ute to wear the MG nameplate in Australia is due for release here during the fourth quarter of 2025. Two variants appear in the approval documents, both of which are dual-cab pickups powered by a 2.5-litre four-cylinder turbo-diesel engine producing 160kW of power and mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission and what's referred to as an automatic all-wheel drive system. A torque figure isn't listed, though Chinese data suggests it will be 520Nm. Hundreds of new car deals are available through CarExpert right now. Get the experts on your side and score a great deal. Browse now. While both unnamed variants have a braked towing capacity of 3500kg, matching the class leaders, they differ in both tare mass and gross vehicle mass. The former has a gross vehicle mass (GVM) of 3500kg and a tare mass of 2398kg, from which we can calculate a payload figure of 1102kg. The other variant has a GVM of 3320kg and a tare mass of 2498kg, resulting in a payload figure of 822kg. The MG U9 measures a sizeable 5500mm long, 1997mm wide and 1860mm tall on a 3300mm wheelbase. An optional luggage rack bumps height up to 1874mm. For context, the Ford Ranger 4×4 dual-cab measures 5403mm long, 1918mm wide and 1886mm tall on a 3270mm wheelbase, making the new MG ute notably larger. Dual-cab Rangers also offer a payload figure of between 929kg and 1018kg depending on the variant. Ground clearance for the MG is 220mm, and the U9 will ride on either 18- or optional 20-inch wheels. Other previously confirmed available features include a massaging driver's seat, "flexible seat functionality to maximise storage and comfort", a JBL sound system, and even walkthrough cab/tub capability. While the U9 is a rebadged version of the upcoming LDV Terron 9, there won't be an EV counterpart for the upcoming eTerron 9 electric ute from MG's SAIC sister brand LDV, at least initially. "We're considering other drivetrains [for the U9] at the moment, but probably not the EV in the first instance. We're considering something else [like] plug in hybrid," said chief commercial officer Giles Belcher earlier this year. Local testing of the U9 is underway, and MG has joined forces with the likes of HSP, ARB, and AutoPacific to prepare a suite of genuine accessories including bullbars, protection, tub lids and load racks to be made available as dealer options. The U9 is a key part of MG's plan to become a top-three auto brand in Australia by the end of this decade, and will be one of a raft of new models it releases in new segments for the brand. This also includes the seven-seat QS large SUV and the more premium IM5 and IM6 electric vehicles (EVs), all of which will reach local showrooms in the coming months. MORE: MG's new ute to be available with tough Australian-made accessories Content originally sourced from: The upcoming MG U9 ute has received Australian Design Rule certification that approves it for local roads, and documents seen by CarExpert have revealed some key figures for the first time. The first ute to wear the MG nameplate in Australia is due for release here during the fourth quarter of 2025. Two variants appear in the approval documents, both of which are dual-cab pickups powered by a 2.5-litre four-cylinder turbo-diesel engine producing 160kW of power and mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission and what's referred to as an automatic all-wheel drive system. A torque figure isn't listed, though Chinese data suggests it will be 520Nm. Hundreds of new car deals are available through CarExpert right now. Get the experts on your side and score a great deal. Browse now. While both unnamed variants have a braked towing capacity of 3500kg, matching the class leaders, they differ in both tare mass and gross vehicle mass. The former has a gross vehicle mass (GVM) of 3500kg and a tare mass of 2398kg, from which we can calculate a payload figure of 1102kg. The other variant has a GVM of 3320kg and a tare mass of 2498kg, resulting in a payload figure of 822kg. The MG U9 measures a sizeable 5500mm long, 1997mm wide and 1860mm tall on a 3300mm wheelbase. An optional luggage rack bumps height up to 1874mm. For context, the Ford Ranger 4×4 dual-cab measures 5403mm long, 1918mm wide and 1886mm tall on a 3270mm wheelbase, making the new MG ute notably larger. Dual-cab Rangers also offer a payload figure of between 929kg and 1018kg depending on the variant. Ground clearance for the MG is 220mm, and the U9 will ride on either 18- or optional 20-inch wheels. Other previously confirmed available features include a massaging driver's seat, "flexible seat functionality to maximise storage and comfort", a JBL sound system, and even walkthrough cab/tub capability. While the U9 is a rebadged version of the upcoming LDV Terron 9, there won't be an EV counterpart for the upcoming eTerron 9 electric ute from MG's SAIC sister brand LDV, at least initially. "We're considering other drivetrains [for the U9] at the moment, but probably not the EV in the first instance. We're considering something else [like] plug in hybrid," said chief commercial officer Giles Belcher earlier this year. Local testing of the U9 is underway, and MG has joined forces with the likes of HSP, ARB, and AutoPacific to prepare a suite of genuine accessories including bullbars, protection, tub lids and load racks to be made available as dealer options. The U9 is a key part of MG's plan to become a top-three auto brand in Australia by the end of this decade, and will be one of a raft of new models it releases in new segments for the brand. This also includes the seven-seat QS large SUV and the more premium IM5 and IM6 electric vehicles (EVs), all of which will reach local showrooms in the coming months. MORE: MG's new ute to be available with tough Australian-made accessories Content originally sourced from: The upcoming MG U9 ute has received Australian Design Rule certification that approves it for local roads, and documents seen by CarExpert have revealed some key figures for the first time. The first ute to wear the MG nameplate in Australia is due for release here during the fourth quarter of 2025. Two variants appear in the approval documents, both of which are dual-cab pickups powered by a 2.5-litre four-cylinder turbo-diesel engine producing 160kW of power and mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission and what's referred to as an automatic all-wheel drive system. A torque figure isn't listed, though Chinese data suggests it will be 520Nm. Hundreds of new car deals are available through CarExpert right now. Get the experts on your side and score a great deal. Browse now. While both unnamed variants have a braked towing capacity of 3500kg, matching the class leaders, they differ in both tare mass and gross vehicle mass. The former has a gross vehicle mass (GVM) of 3500kg and a tare mass of 2398kg, from which we can calculate a payload figure of 1102kg. The other variant has a GVM of 3320kg and a tare mass of 2498kg, resulting in a payload figure of 822kg. The MG U9 measures a sizeable 5500mm long, 1997mm wide and 1860mm tall on a 3300mm wheelbase. An optional luggage rack bumps height up to 1874mm. For context, the Ford Ranger 4×4 dual-cab measures 5403mm long, 1918mm wide and 1886mm tall on a 3270mm wheelbase, making the new MG ute notably larger. Dual-cab Rangers also offer a payload figure of between 929kg and 1018kg depending on the variant. Ground clearance for the MG is 220mm, and the U9 will ride on either 18- or optional 20-inch wheels. Other previously confirmed available features include a massaging driver's seat, "flexible seat functionality to maximise storage and comfort", a JBL sound system, and even walkthrough cab/tub capability. While the U9 is a rebadged version of the upcoming LDV Terron 9, there won't be an EV counterpart for the upcoming eTerron 9 electric ute from MG's SAIC sister brand LDV, at least initially. "We're considering other drivetrains [for the U9] at the moment, but probably not the EV in the first instance. We're considering something else [like] plug in hybrid," said chief commercial officer Giles Belcher earlier this year. Local testing of the U9 is underway, and MG has joined forces with the likes of HSP, ARB, and AutoPacific to prepare a suite of genuine accessories including bullbars, protection, tub lids and load racks to be made available as dealer options. The U9 is a key part of MG's plan to become a top-three auto brand in Australia by the end of this decade, and will be one of a raft of new models it releases in new segments for the brand. This also includes the seven-seat QS large SUV and the more premium IM5 and IM6 electric vehicles (EVs), all of which will reach local showrooms in the coming months. MORE: MG's new ute to be available with tough Australian-made accessories Content originally sourced from:

Japanese company's moon lander 'likely to have crashed'
Japanese company's moon lander 'likely to have crashed'

The Advertiser

time3 hours ago

  • The Advertiser

Japanese company's moon lander 'likely to have crashed'

Japanese company ispace says its uncrewed moon lander has likely crashed onto the moon's surface during its lunar touchdown attempt, marking another failure two years after its unsuccessful inaugural mission. Tokyo-based ispace had hoped to join US firms Intuitive Machines and Firefly Aerospace as companies that have accomplished commercial landings amid a global race for the moon which includes state-run missions from China and India. A successful mission would have made ispace the first company outside the US to achieve a moon landing. Resilience, ispace's second lunar lander, could not decelerate fast enough as it approached the moon, and the company has not been able to communicate with the spacecraft after a likely hard landing, ispace said in a statement on Friday. The company's livestream of the attempted landing showed Resilience's flight data was lost less than two minutes before the planned touchdown time earlier on Friday. The lander had targeted Mare Frigoris, a basaltic plain about 900km from the moon's north pole, and was on an hour-long descent from lunar orbit. A room of more than 500 ispace employees, shareholders, sponsors and government officials abruptly grew silent during a public viewing event at mission partner Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corp in the wee hours in Tokyo. In 2023, ispace's first lander crashed into the moon's surface due to inaccurate recognition of its altitude. Software remedies have been implemented, while the hardware design is mostly unchanged in Resilience, the company has said. Resilience was carrying a four-wheeled rover built by ispace's Luxembourg subsidiary and five external payloads, including scientific instruments from Japanese firms and a Taiwanese university. If the landing had been successful, the 2.3m-high lander and the microwave-sized rover would have begun 14 days of planned exploration activities, including capturing images of regolith, the moon's fine-grained surface material, on a contract with US space agency NASA. Japan in 2024 became the world's fifth country to achieve a soft lunar landing after the former Soviet Union, the United States, China and India, when the national Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency achieved the touchdown of its SLIM lander, although in a toppled position. Japanese company ispace says its uncrewed moon lander has likely crashed onto the moon's surface during its lunar touchdown attempt, marking another failure two years after its unsuccessful inaugural mission. Tokyo-based ispace had hoped to join US firms Intuitive Machines and Firefly Aerospace as companies that have accomplished commercial landings amid a global race for the moon which includes state-run missions from China and India. A successful mission would have made ispace the first company outside the US to achieve a moon landing. Resilience, ispace's second lunar lander, could not decelerate fast enough as it approached the moon, and the company has not been able to communicate with the spacecraft after a likely hard landing, ispace said in a statement on Friday. The company's livestream of the attempted landing showed Resilience's flight data was lost less than two minutes before the planned touchdown time earlier on Friday. The lander had targeted Mare Frigoris, a basaltic plain about 900km from the moon's north pole, and was on an hour-long descent from lunar orbit. A room of more than 500 ispace employees, shareholders, sponsors and government officials abruptly grew silent during a public viewing event at mission partner Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corp in the wee hours in Tokyo. In 2023, ispace's first lander crashed into the moon's surface due to inaccurate recognition of its altitude. Software remedies have been implemented, while the hardware design is mostly unchanged in Resilience, the company has said. Resilience was carrying a four-wheeled rover built by ispace's Luxembourg subsidiary and five external payloads, including scientific instruments from Japanese firms and a Taiwanese university. If the landing had been successful, the 2.3m-high lander and the microwave-sized rover would have begun 14 days of planned exploration activities, including capturing images of regolith, the moon's fine-grained surface material, on a contract with US space agency NASA. Japan in 2024 became the world's fifth country to achieve a soft lunar landing after the former Soviet Union, the United States, China and India, when the national Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency achieved the touchdown of its SLIM lander, although in a toppled position. Japanese company ispace says its uncrewed moon lander has likely crashed onto the moon's surface during its lunar touchdown attempt, marking another failure two years after its unsuccessful inaugural mission. Tokyo-based ispace had hoped to join US firms Intuitive Machines and Firefly Aerospace as companies that have accomplished commercial landings amid a global race for the moon which includes state-run missions from China and India. A successful mission would have made ispace the first company outside the US to achieve a moon landing. Resilience, ispace's second lunar lander, could not decelerate fast enough as it approached the moon, and the company has not been able to communicate with the spacecraft after a likely hard landing, ispace said in a statement on Friday. The company's livestream of the attempted landing showed Resilience's flight data was lost less than two minutes before the planned touchdown time earlier on Friday. The lander had targeted Mare Frigoris, a basaltic plain about 900km from the moon's north pole, and was on an hour-long descent from lunar orbit. A room of more than 500 ispace employees, shareholders, sponsors and government officials abruptly grew silent during a public viewing event at mission partner Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corp in the wee hours in Tokyo. In 2023, ispace's first lander crashed into the moon's surface due to inaccurate recognition of its altitude. Software remedies have been implemented, while the hardware design is mostly unchanged in Resilience, the company has said. Resilience was carrying a four-wheeled rover built by ispace's Luxembourg subsidiary and five external payloads, including scientific instruments from Japanese firms and a Taiwanese university. If the landing had been successful, the 2.3m-high lander and the microwave-sized rover would have begun 14 days of planned exploration activities, including capturing images of regolith, the moon's fine-grained surface material, on a contract with US space agency NASA. Japan in 2024 became the world's fifth country to achieve a soft lunar landing after the former Soviet Union, the United States, China and India, when the national Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency achieved the touchdown of its SLIM lander, although in a toppled position. Japanese company ispace says its uncrewed moon lander has likely crashed onto the moon's surface during its lunar touchdown attempt, marking another failure two years after its unsuccessful inaugural mission. Tokyo-based ispace had hoped to join US firms Intuitive Machines and Firefly Aerospace as companies that have accomplished commercial landings amid a global race for the moon which includes state-run missions from China and India. A successful mission would have made ispace the first company outside the US to achieve a moon landing. Resilience, ispace's second lunar lander, could not decelerate fast enough as it approached the moon, and the company has not been able to communicate with the spacecraft after a likely hard landing, ispace said in a statement on Friday. The company's livestream of the attempted landing showed Resilience's flight data was lost less than two minutes before the planned touchdown time earlier on Friday. The lander had targeted Mare Frigoris, a basaltic plain about 900km from the moon's north pole, and was on an hour-long descent from lunar orbit. A room of more than 500 ispace employees, shareholders, sponsors and government officials abruptly grew silent during a public viewing event at mission partner Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corp in the wee hours in Tokyo. In 2023, ispace's first lander crashed into the moon's surface due to inaccurate recognition of its altitude. Software remedies have been implemented, while the hardware design is mostly unchanged in Resilience, the company has said. Resilience was carrying a four-wheeled rover built by ispace's Luxembourg subsidiary and five external payloads, including scientific instruments from Japanese firms and a Taiwanese university. If the landing had been successful, the 2.3m-high lander and the microwave-sized rover would have begun 14 days of planned exploration activities, including capturing images of regolith, the moon's fine-grained surface material, on a contract with US space agency NASA. Japan in 2024 became the world's fifth country to achieve a soft lunar landing after the former Soviet Union, the United States, China and India, when the national Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency achieved the touchdown of its SLIM lander, although in a toppled position.

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into the world of global news and events? Download our app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store