Successful berthing of the H-II Transfer Vehicle "KOUNOTORI6" (HTV6)
to the International Space Station (ISS)
December 14, 2016 (JST)
National Research and Development Agency
Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA)
The H-II Transfer Vehicle "KOUNOTORI6" (HTV6) started its final approach to the International Space Station (ISS), and was captured by the ISS robotic arm at 7:39 p.m. on December 13 (Japanese Standard Time, JST). Being captured and maneuvered by the robotic arm, the HTV6 was successfully berthed to the ISS at 3:24 a.m. on December 14 (JST).
Once after berthing of vehicle, the internal and external cargo will be unloaded by the on board crew.
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JAXA's President Naoki Okumura's Address
December 14, 2016
National Research and Development Agency
Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA)
I hereby announce that JAXA's cargo transporter to the International Space Station, KOUNOTORI6 (HTV6) aboard H-IIB Launch Vehicle No. 6, launched on December 9, 2016, has just docked to the International Space Station (ISS). HTV6's docking proceeded on schedule.
Among the longed-for supplies that HTV6 transferred are the battery for the ISS, which has Japanese-made new lithium-ion battery cells, food and drinking water. The spacecraft is also bringing JEM Small Satellite Orbital Deployer: J-SSOD, with double deployment capability, and a nanosatellite, both of which will be installed in Japanese Experiment Module KIBO aboard the ISS. JAXA's Tsukuba Space Center's ground control contributed to the on-time arrival of HTV. I am very proud that the personnel engaged in the launch mission succeeded in sending much needed supplies to the ISS crew and that JAXA could once again live up to the expectations of its international friends.
What lies ahead are the attachment of the new batteries, and KITE, Kounotori Integrated Tether Experiments, following undocking. KITE is on-orbit demonstration of electrodynamic tether on HTV, which is designed to help remove space debris.
My earnest desire is the completion of HTV6 mission all the way to the reentry to the atmosphere. The mission certainly goes beyond the task of supply delivery; it advances technological development for the future.
Naoki Okumura
President of JAXA