Japan has successfully launched its most powerful flagship rocket, the H3, carrying a newly developed uncrewed cargo spacecraft, the HTV-X1, on its inaugural mission to deliver supplies to the International Space Station (ISS). The launch took place on Sunday from the Tanegashima Space Center in southern Japan, according to the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA).
The HTV-X1 spacecraft successfully separated from the H3 rocket approximately 14 minutes after liftoff and reached its planned orbit. If all goes according to plan, it is expected to arrive at the ISS within a few days. Japanese astronaut Kimiya Yui, currently aboard the ISS, is ready to capture the spacecraft using a robotic arm on Thursday morning.
The HTV-X1 is designed to succeed the H-II Transfer Vehicle, known as Kounotori, which completed nine missions to the ISS from 2009 to 2020. The new cargo vehicle is capable of carrying a larger payload and can provide power during flight, accommodating laboratory samples that need to be stored at low temperatures.
This vehicle is intended to dock with the ISS for up to six months to deliver supplies and collect waste, followed by technical missions during a three-month orbital flight after departing the station. Sunday”s launch also marked the successful debut of the more powerful version of the H3 rocket, which features four boosters and a larger payload compartment.
Hiroshi Yamakawa, president of JAXA, described the launch as “a significant step forward,” showcasing Japan”s capability to supply space missions and laying the groundwork for autonomous space activities. Iwao Igarashi, head of the Space Business Department at Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, which collaborated with JAXA on the H3 development and rocket operations, noted Japan”s track record of punctual launches and precision in payload delivery, emphasizing the new rocket”s ability to meet diverse client needs.
The H3 rocket is set to replace the well-regarded H-IIA rocket, which completed its last flight in June. It aims to be more cost-competitive in the global space market. To date, the H3 has achieved six consecutive successful flights following a failed debut attempt in 2023 that resulted in the rocket”s destruction along with its payload.
Japan views a reliable and commercially viable space transportation capability as crucial to its space program and national security.
