On Sunday, Japan successfully launched a new rocket carrying an unmanned cargo spacecraft on its way to the International Space Station. The launch took place at the Tanegashima Space Centre in southern Japan.
The spacecraft, called HTV-X1, was lifted into orbit by the new H3 rocket, marking an important step for Japan’s space programme. If all goes as planned, the spacecraft will reach the ISS in a few days. Japanese astronaut Kimiya Yui, who is currently aboard the ISS, will use a robotic arm to catch the spacecraft early Thursday morning.
HTV-X1 is an improved version of Japan’s earlier cargo ship called Kounotori, which means “stork” in Japanese. That earlier craft flew to the ISS nine times between 2009 and 2020.
This new version can carry more supplies and even transport lab samples that need to stay cold. It will stay connected to the ISS for up to six months, delivering items and taking away waste. After that, it will fly around Earth on a separate mission for another three months.
The H3 rocket, which carried HTV-X1 into space, has now had six successful launches in a row. It replaces Japan’s older rocket, the H-2A, which made its last flight in June.
