November 2, 2009 Updated
HTV re-entered the atmosphere, mission completed
The H-II Transfer Vehicle (HTV) Demonstration Flight, which departed from the International Space Station (ISS) on October 31, re-entered the atmosphere at around 6:26 a.m. on November 2.The HTV successfully completed its cargo transportation operations to the ISS, and accomplished all its missions in about 52 days following the re-entry today.
October 31, 2009 Updated
HTV released from ISS
The H-II Transfer Vehicle (HTV) Demonstration Flight, which completed its cargo transportation mission at the International Space Station (ISS), was unberthed from the ISS by its robotic arm (SSRMS) at 0:02 a.m. on October 31 (Japan Standard Time, the following dates and times are JST.) The HTV departed from the ISS at 2:32 a.m. on the 31st. The HTV will leave the ISS orbit, and is scheduled to re-enter the Earth's atmosphere at around 6:25 a.m. on November 2 (Mon.) You may be able to see the HTV just prior to re-entry from Okinawa at around 6:13 a.m. on the 2nd if the deorbit process goes smoothly and the weather cooperates. (Photo by NASA)
October 27, 2009 Updated
Internet Live Report: HTV leaving ISS on Oct. 31 (Sat)
The H-II Transfer Vehicle (HTV) Demonstration Flight, which is currently berthed at the International Space Station (ISS), is scheduled to depart from the ISS at 2:30 a.m. on Oct. 31 (Sat) (Japan Standard Time, all the following days and times are in JST.) The HTV will be unberthed from the ISS by the ISS robotic arm (SSRMS) late at night on Oct. 30 (Fri) after its hatch to the ISS is closed at dawn of Oct. 30, then depart from the ISS. If everything goes smoothly, the HTV will re-enter the Earth's atmosphere around 6:26 a.m. on Nov. 2 (Mon).We will broadcast a live report of the HTV unberthing and departure from the ISS through the Internet from 11:45 p.m. on Oct. 30 (Fri) and from 2:15 a.m. on Oct. 31 (Sat) respectively. (Sorry, the live reports are broadcasted only in the Japanese language.) Please enjoy the HTV live reports over the weekend!
*The live broadcast time schedule has changed due to the delay of the HTV departure.
October 21, 2009 Updated
The HTV PLC unloading operations completed, trash loading continues
HTV-1, being berthed to the ISS, is operating nominally. The Small Fine Arm (SFA) of the Kibo Remote Manipulator System (JEMRMS), packed in a Cargo Transfer Bag (CTB) and delivered to the ISS, was transferred from the HTV Pressurized Logistics Carrier (PLC) to Kibo on October 4. The Pressurized Stowage Resupply Rack (PSRR), also delivered on the HTV-1, was transferred to Kibo’s Experiment Logistics Module-Pressurized Section (ELM-PS) on October 14. All the cargo transfer operation from the HTV PLC to the ISS was completed on October 20. Aboard the ISS, trash loading into the HTV PLC is currently underway. With this trash stow activity completed, the HTV-1 will depart from the ISS, and enter the atmosphere early next month.
Photo (provided by NASA): Astronaut Robert Thirsk taking cargo out from the HTV Pressurized Carrier.
October 14, 2009 Updated
HTV operations running smoothly, cargo unloading continues
Cargo unloading operations continued from the Pressurized Logistics Carrier of the H-II Transfer Vehicle (HTV) Demonstration Flight berthed at the International Space Station (ISS). On Oct. 4, the Small Fine Arm (SFA) of the Kibo’s Robotic Arm was moved to the ISS. The SFA was transported to the ISS as it was still packed in the Cargo Transfer Bag. One unit of the Pressurized Stowage Resupply Rack will be transferred to the ISS on the 14th. Photo (provided by NASA): Astronaut Nicole Stott taking cargo out from the HTV Pressurized Carrier.
September 26, 2009 Updated
Exposed Pallet stored back in HTV
The Exposed Pallet of the H-II Transfer Vehicle (HTV) Demonstration Flight was retrieved and stored back in the HTV Unpressurized Carrier at 10:20 p.m. on Sept. 25 (Japan Standard Time) by the robotic arms of the Kibo and the International Space Station (SSRMS) after its two cargoes, the experiment devices in the unpressurized environment, had been installed in the Kibo’s Exposed Facility. Cargo in the HTV Pressurized Carrier will now be unloaded by the astronauts aboard the ISS. After the unloading, used material and equipment on the ISS will be packed into the Pressurized Carrier. The HTV will depart from the ISS in mid-November to re-enter the atmosphere. (The detailed schedule will be decided based on the ISS/HTV operational status.)(Photo by NASA)
September 25, 2009 Updated
Two experiment devices installed onto Kibo Exposed Facility
On Sept. 24 and 25 (Japan Standard Time), two experiment devices that were shipped by the H-II Transfer Vehicle (HTV) Demonstration Flight were unloaded from the HTV Exposed Pallet and installed onto the Exposed Facility of the Japanese Experiment Module “Kibo.”The two devices are the "Superconducting Submilimeter-Wave Limb-Emission Sounder (SMILES)" and the "Hyperspectral Imager for the Coastal Ocean (HICO) & Remote Atmospheric & Ionospheric Detection System (RAIDS) Experimental Payload (HREP.)" The HREP and the SMILES were mounted at 8:15 p.m. on the 24th and 1:12 a.m on the 25th respectively. (Photo by NASA)
September 24, 2009 Updated
HTV Exposed Pallet attached to the Kibo Exposed Facility
At 6:06 p.m. on Sept. 23rd (Japan Standard Time, JST), the Exposed Pallet was taken out from the H-II Transfer Vehicle (HTV) Demonstration Flight, which is now berthed at the International Space Station (ISS). The Pallet was then attached onto the Exposed Facility of the Japanese Experiment Module “Kibo” at 11:33 p.m. (JST). The experiment devices on the Pallet will be moved to be installed onto the Kibo’s Exposed Facility. (Photo by NASA)
September 18, 2009 Updated
HTV Demonstration Flight successfully berthed at ISS
The H-II Transfer Vehicle (HTV) Demonstration Flight, launched by the H-IIB Launch Vehicle Test Flight at 2:01 a.m. on Sept. 11 (Japan Standard Time, JST,) took almost one week to approach the International Space Station (ISS) and arrived at the Berthing Point 10 meters below the ISS at 4:27 a.m. on the 18th (JST, following times are all JST.) At 4:51 a.m., the HTV was captured by the ISS robotic arm (Space Station Remote Manipulator System, SSRMS) manipulated by the ISS crew, and it was installed onto the Common Berthing Mechanism (CBM) on the lower side (earth side) of the Harmony (Node 2) at 7:26 a.m. At 10:49 a.m., electric and communication lines were connected, and the HTV was successfully berthed at the ISS.
September 15, 2009 Updated
Live reports of the HTV final approach to the ISS on Sept. 18 (Fri.)
The H-II Transfer Vehicle (HTV) Demonstration Flight, which was launched by the H-IIB Launch Vehicle at 2:01:46 a.m. on September 11 (Fri.) has been smoothly flying on its scheduled course. Its final approach to the International Space Station (ISS) was approved at the ISS Mission Management Team (IMMT) meeting on Sept. 15, thus, from the 16th, the altitude of the HTV will be maneuvered to gradually approach the ISS. The HTV is scheduled to be berthed at the ISS on Sept. 18 (Fri.) JAXA will broadcast the live reports of the ISS robotic arm capturing the HTV from 4:00 a.m., and the berthing of the HTV at the ISS from 7:00 a.m. They are early in the morning, but don’t miss them!
September 11, 2009 Updated
HTV/H-IIB Successfully Launched!!
The Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) launched the H-II Transfer Vehicle (HTV) Demonstration Flight aboard the H-IIB Launch Vehicle Test Flight (H-IIB TF1) at 2:01:46 a.m. on September 11, 2009 (Japan Standard Time, JST) from the Tanegashima Space Center. The launch vehicle flew smoothly, and, at about 15 minutes and 6 seconds after liftoff, the separation of the HTV Demonstration Flight was confirmed. The HTV will gradually approach the International Space Station (ISS) and berth at the ISS on the 18th (Friday, JST.)
September 10, 2009 Updated
H-IIB moved to LP2
The H-IIB Launch Vehicle Test Flight was transported from the Vehicle Assembly Building (VAB) at 11:16 a.m. (Japan Standard Time) and arrived at the Launch Pad 2 (LP2) of the Yoshinobu Launch Complex at 11:48 a.m.(JST.)Propellants will be loaded to be ready for launch at 2:01:46 a.m. on the 11th (Fri.) JAXA will broadcast a live launch report through the Internet. Please join us to support the launch.
September 9, 2009 Updated
HTV/H-IIB launch was set for 2:01 a.m. on the 11th (Fri)
The launch time of the H-IIB Launch Vehicle Test Flight with the H-II Transfer Vehicle (HTV) Demonstration Flight onboard was set for 2:01:46 a.m. on September 11 (Fri.) A dynamic live launch report will be broadcasted via the Internet from the Tanegahima Space Center.
September 3, 2009 Updated
HTV/H-IIB Live Launch through the Internet at 1:30 a.m. on Sept. 11th (Fri, JST)
The H-II Transfer Vehicle (HTV) Demonstration Flight and the H-IIB Launch Vehicle are undergoing final launch preparations at the Vehicle Assembly Building waiting for their launch on Sept. 11 (Fri.) JAXA will broadcast a live launch report through the Internet from 1:30 a.m. on Sept. 11th (Japan Standard Time.) You can enjoy the dynamism of the launch at the Tanegashima Space Center from your home. We welcome your supportive messages to the HTV and H-IIB project teams who are working hard to be ready for the launch.* The date and time of the live launch broadcast are subject to change due to the orbit of the International Space Station, launch preparation status, weather conditions and other factors.
August 31, 2009 Updated
HTV moved to the VAB! Final launch preparation phase
On August 30, the encapsulated HTV Demonstration Flight was transported to the Vehicle Assembly Building (VAB.) It will be loaded onto the H-IIB Launch Vehicle to be ready for the launch on September 11. We published a promotion movie of the HTV/H-IIB mission. Please watch it before witnessing the actual launch!
August 24, 2009 Updated
HTV encapsulated
On August 21, the H-II Transfer Vehicle (HTV) Demonstration Flight was mated with the Payload Attach Fitting (PAF) at the Spacecraft and Fairing Assembly Building #2.On the 23rd, the HTV on the PAF was encapsulated by the payload fairing, which covers the payload to protect it from air resistance, friction and the acoustic vibrations of launch. The fairing for the HTV is a 5S-H type and is about 5 meters in diameter and about 15 meters in length. It was developed for the HTV launch.
The encapsulated HTV Demonstration Flight will be transported to the Vehicle Assembly Building (VAB) and loaded onto the H-IIB Launch Vehicle Test Flight.
August 20, 2009 Updated
Please help us make the HTV/H-IIB launch an exciting event with PC desktop wallpapers and a poster
A poster and a leaflet featuring the HTV/H-IIB launch have been created.We have also prepared wallpapers for your PC desktop.
Please hang the poster in you room and use the wallpapers for your computer to boost the launch mode!
August 12, 2009 Updated
H-IIB payload fairing separation test
On Aug. 12, the scene of the separation and release test of the payload fairing for the H-IIB launch Vehicle was shown to the press at Harima Works of Kawasaki Heavy Industries. This fairing is a "5S-H" type newly developed for the H-II Transfer Vehicle (HTV). It's unique features are its height, which is 3 meters taller than the 5S type, one of the conventional fairing types for the H-IIA, and a large access door that was installed on the upper part of the fairing for operators to access the HTV after its encapsulation.(Image: separation and release test on July 24)
July 11, 2009 Updated
GTV test for H-IIB successfully held
The comprehensive ground test for the H-IIB Launch Vehicle using the Ground Test Vehicle (GTV) was held at the Tanegashima Space Center on July 11.Although the GTV was not equipped with the fairing, the flight engine and four Solid Rocket Boosters (SRB-As) were attached. During the test, the exact same procedures as the real launch procedures were followed up until the engine ignition for the final confirmation of the vehicle, ground facilities and operation procedures.
(Photo: The H-IIB after it was moved to the launch pad)
July 9, 2009 Updated
HTV opened to the press at TNSC
On July 9, the H-II Transfer Vehicle (HTV, a cargo transporter to the International Space Station) was opened to the press at the Spacecraft and Fairing Assembly Building #2 (SFA2) at the Tanegashima Space Center (TNSC.)The ground comprehensive test for the H-IIB Launch Vehicle using the Ground Test Vehicle (the GTV test) is scheduled on the 11th.
We are providing updated information on the HTV and H-IIB at this HTV/H-IIB Special Site.
July 8, 2009 Updated
HTV/H-IIB launch date decided! Special site opened
The H-IIB Launch Vehicle Test Flight with the H-II Transfer Vehicle (HTV, a cargo transporter to the International Space Station) will be launched at 2:04 a.m. on September 11 (Fri.). (*)The HTV has been fully assembled at the Tanegashima Space Center, and it will be under final launch preparations including comprehensive checkout and propellant loading to be ready for launch.
The ground comprehensive test for the H-IIB Launch Vehicle using the Ground Test Vehicle (the GTV test) is scheduled on the 11th.
Please check the updated information on the HTV and H-IIB at the "HTV/H-IIB Special Site," which was opened today. We hope you enjoy the site.
(*) Time will be determined by the updated orbit of the International Space Station (ISS.)