Japan successfully launched its new uncrewed cargo spacecraft, the HTV-X, aboard its flagship H3 rocket from the Tanegashima Space Center on Sunday. The vehicle is expected to reach the International Space Station (ISS) this Thursday.
The HTV-X is designed to enhance supply capabilities for the ISS, succeeding the previous HTV model, which operated from 2009 to 2020. According to JAXA, the new spacecraft achieved orbit approximately 14 minutes and 4 seconds after liftoff, which occurred at 9:00 AM local time (00:00 GMT).
With a maximum payload capacity of 6 tons, the HTV-X improves transport capability by 1.5 times compared to its predecessor, which completed nine resupply missions to the ISS during its operational period.
The mission aims to deliver essential equipment, experimental devices, and supplies such as food, water, and clothing to the ISS. The launch, initially planned for the preceding Tuesday, faced three delays due to adverse weather conditions.
JAXA anticipates that the uncrewed vessel will be captured by the robotic arm of the ISS on Thursday at 12:50 AM local time in Japan (15:50 GMT on Wednesday), followed by docking later that same day. Japanese astronaut Kimiya Yui, currently aboard the ISS after launching on August 2 for NASA and SpaceX”s Crew-11 mission, expressed enthusiasm on social media, stating, “I will do my best to meet everyone”s expectations by firmly capturing it with my robotic arm!”
