September 18, 2012 Updated
i-Ball aboard KOUNOTORI3 acquired atmosphere re-entry data
The i-Ball, re-entry data recorder, aboard the H-II Transfer Vehicle "KOUNOTORI3" (HTV3, a cargo transporter to the International Space Station) re-entered the atmosphere at 2:27 p.m. on September 14 (Japan Standard Time), and was confirmed to make a splashdown around 3:03 p.m. (JST) at 129.017 degrees West Longitude and 51.867 degrees South latitude (in the west offshore area of Chile in the South Pacific Ocean.) The scheduled data acquisition was successfully performed, and we are now analyzing the data in detail. Photo: Part of the KOUNOTORI3 shot by a rear camera on the capsule (at around 70 km in altitude) (Photo provided by JAXA/IHI Aerospace)
September 14, 2012 Updated
KOUNOTORI3 completed its mission with re-entry!
The KOUNOTORI3 (HTV3, a cargo transporter to the International Space Station) left the ISS on Sept. 13 and re-entered the atmosphere at 2:27 p.m. on Sept. 14 (Japan Standard Time.)The KOUNOTORI 3 successfully achieved its mission of taking cargo to the ISS, then completed all its tasks over about 56 days.
We would like to send our sincere appreciation to all of you who have been supporting the KOUNOTORI project.
September 11, 2012 Updated
KOUNOTORI3 departure and re-entry live report!
The H-II Transfer Vehicle “KOUNOTORI3” (HTV3,a cargo transporter to the International Space Station) will leave from the ISS at around 0:50 a.m. on Sept. 13 (Japan Standard Time, all the following dates and time are JST,) and will re-enter the atmosphere at around 2:24 p.m. on Sept. 14.JAXA will offer a live report of its departure from the ISS from 0:20 a.m. on the 13th (Thu.), then a live scene of the HTV operation room at the time of its re-entry from 1:45 p.m. on the 14th (Fri.) through the Internet. Please do not miss the footage!
September 7, 2012 Updated
Re-entry date and time for KOUNOTORI3 decided
The re-entry schedule for the KOUNOTORI3 was set as follows after extended mooring at the International Space Station due to an additional extravascular activity.Departure from the ISS:
September 13, 2012 / 0:50 a.m.(Japanese Standard Time, JST)*
Re-entry to the atmosphere:
September 14, 2012 / 2:24 p.m.(JST)*
* The time is subject to change due to actual operational status.
The KOUNOTORI3 will carry a re-entry data recorder, the i-Ball, which was developed in cooperation between the public and private sectors to acquire atmosphere re-entry data as well as scenes of KOUNOTORI3's destruction.
August 6, 2012 Updated
KOUNOTORI3's Exposed Pallet (EP) was installed to Kibo's Exposed Facility (EF)
At 9:04 p.m. on August 6, KOUNOTORI3's Exposed Pallet (EP) was successfully installed to Kibo's Exposed Facility (EF). Two experiment hardwares on board the EP will be transferred to the predetermined installation places, NASA's Space Communications and Navigation Testbed (SCAN Testbed) on August 8, and Japanese Multi-mission Consolidated Equipment (MCE) on August 9.
*All times are Japan Standard Time (JST)
July 28, 2012 Updated
KOUNOTORI3 berthed at ISS!
The KOUNOTORI3 (HTV3, a cargo transporter to the International Space Station) was captured by the ISS robotic arm at 9:23 p.m. on July 27 (Japan Standard Time) and berthed at the ISS at 2:31 a.m. on July 28. The KOUNOTORI3 was launched by the H-IIB Launch Vehicle No.3 on July 21. ISS astronauts will take cargo out from the Pressurized and Unpressurized Logistic Carriers into the ISS. (Photo: The KOUNOTORI3 to a Common Berthing Mechanism at the nadir port of Harmony, JAXA/NASA)
July 26, 2012 Updated
Live broadcast of KOUNOTORI3 trip to ISS!
The KOUNOTORI3 (HTV3, the cargo transporter to the International Space Station) launched on July 21 has been traveling to the ISS while adjusting its altitude. Between the evening on July 27 and early on the morning of July 28, the KOUNOTORI3 will make a final approach and berth at the ISS. JAXA will provide a live broadcast of its final access, capture, and berthing.The KOUNOTORI3's approach and the ISS's capture of the vehicle by the robotic arm is scheduled for about one hour from 8:10 p.m. on the 27th (Japan Standard Time.) Then the telecast of its berthing will last for about two hours from 11:15 p.m. on the same night (JST.)
Please don't miss the broadcast!
(Photo: The KOUNOTORI2 approaching the ISS, JAXA/NASA)
July 21, 2012 Updated
Launch Success of KOUNOTORI3/H-IIB F3
The H-IIB Launch Vehicle No. 3 with the KOUNOTORI3 (HTV3, a cargo transporter to the International Space Station) onboard lifted off from the Tanegashima Space Center at 11:06:18 on July 21 (Sat., Japan Standard Time.) The launch vehicle flew smoothly, and at 14 minutes and 53 seconds after liftoff, the KOUNOTORI3 separation was confirmed.The KOUNOTORI3 will gradually go closer to the International Space Station, and it will be berthed at the ISS. We will broadcast the berthing on our website, so don't miss it!
July 19, 2012 Updated
KOUNOTORI3/H-IIB F3 launch time decided! Live broadcast from 10:00 a.m. on July 21 (Sat.)
The launch time of the H-IIB Launch Vehicle No. 3 with the KOUNOTORI3 (HTV3, a cargo transporter to the International Space Station) was set for 11:06:18 a.m. on July 21 (Sat.), 2012 (Japan Standard Time.)JAXA will broadcast a live launch report from the Tanegashima Space Center from 10:00 a.m. on the 21st. You can watch it through the Internet, at JAXA facilities, and some public viewing spots including science museums. At the launch special site on our website, you can find articles by project managers who are preparing for the launch, and you can also send support messages to us. Please have a look!
July 18, 2012 Updated
Final preparation for KOUNOTORI3 launch continues
At the Vehicle Assembly Building (VAB) of the Tanegashima Space Center (TNSC), final preparation for KOUNOTORI launch continues.On July 9, final inspection was performed, and found no NG on the vehicle. From July 13 to 15, a rehearsal was conducted simulating the launch operation.
Late access cargo loading will continue until July 19. Then the hatch will be closed, and HIIB/KOUNOTORI3 will be carried to the launch pad.
The target launch date and time for KOUNOTORI3 is 11:18 a.m., July 21, 2012.
July 10, 2012 Updated
KOUNOTORI3 was moved to the VAB
From July 7 to 8, the encapsulated KOUNOTORI3 was transported from the Second Spacecraft and Fairing Assembly Building (SFA2) to the Vehicle Assembly Building (VAB). KOUNOTORI3 was installed onto the H-IIB launch vehicle. Some late access cargo including the Re-entry Data Recorder (i-Ball), will be loaded into the Pressurized Logistics Carrier (PLC), and final preparation for the launch will continue. KOUNOTORI3 is scheduled to launch at 11:18 a.m., on July 21, 2012. *All times are Japan Standard Time (JST)
Photo: KOUNOTORI3 is being transported to the Vehicle Assembly Building (VAB)
July 4, 2012 Updated
KOUNOTORI3 under preparation to be loaded onto the H-IIB F3
The KOUNOTORI3 (HTV3), a cargo transporter to the International Space Station, was confirmed to have no problems for launch after propellant loading and battery charging followed by a visual inspection at the Spacecraft and Fairing Assembly Building 2 (SFA2) at the Tanegashima Space Center.On June 26 and 27, the KOUNOTORI3 was mated with the Payload Attach Fitting (PAF,) which is a holding stand of a payload on the launch vehicle. From June 30 thru July 1, the KOUNOTORI3 was encapsulated by a fairing, which is a protective cover on the top of the launch vehicle.
The encapsulated KOUNOTORI3 will be moved to the Vehicle Assembly Building (VAB), and loaded onto the H-IIB F3. Some last-minute cargo will also be packed in the KOUNOTORI3 at the VAB.
Photo: KOUNOTORI3 being encapsulated by a fairing
June 21, 2012 Updated
KOUNOTORI3/H-IIB F3 Special Site now open!
JAXA will launch the KOUNOTORI3 (a cargo transporter to the International Space Station, ISS) by H-IIB Launch vehicle No.3 on July 21 from the Tanegashima Space Center. We have opened the KOUNOTORI3/H-IIB F3 Special Site to be ready for the launch.Please check the special site for more information. We have also started welcoming your support messages, so please send them to us!