Japan’s next-generation cargo spacecraft HTV-X was successfully launched on Sunday from the Tanegashima Space Center in Kagoshima Prefecture aboard the H3 rocket No. 7, reaching its planned orbit about 14 minutes later.
Developed by the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA), the unmanned spacecraft will transport experimental equipment and other supplies to the International Space Station (ISS) Xinhua News Agency reported.
The HTV-X, which succeeds the retired “Kounotori” cargo vehicle operated until five years ago, features a lighter airframe and upgraded systems that boost its transport capacity by about 1.5 times.Measuring 8 meters in length and 4.4 meters in diameter, it can carry more than 5.8 tons of cargo.
The spacecraft will spend about four days maneuvering toward the ISS before being captured by the station’s robotic arm. Once berthed, it will begin cargo transfer operations as part of Japan’s contribution to international space cooperation.
