Japan's cargo transfer spacecraft "HTV-X1" arrived at the International Space Station (ISS) in the early hours of the 30th. It is the successor to "Kounotori," which was operational from 2009 to 2020, and has significantly enhanced capabilities. It successfully delivered essential supplies for ISS activities, including various pieces of experimental equipment and food and clothing for astronauts. Kimiya Yui, who operated the robotic arm inside the ISS and captured the HTV-X, expressed his joy, saying, "This is a historic event in Japan's space program. I can't wait to open this golden treasure box."
Provided by JAXA
HTV-X1 departed on the 26th from the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) Tanegashima Space Center in Kagoshima Prefecture aboard the 7th H3 launch vehicle. It subsequently began communications with the control room at JAXA Tsukuba Space Center (Ibaraki Prefecture) via U.S. data relay satellites. It deployed its solar panels and established attitude control. It repeatedly fired its engines for orbital control and gradually approached the ISS.
From NASA TV
In the early hours of the 30th, at 10 meters below the ISS flying above Earth, the spacecraft matched the ISS's velocity to achieve a relative stop. After placing the HTV-X into a "free drift" state where control was stopped, Yui slowly moved the tip of the robotic arm closer, successfully capturing it at 0:58 AM at an altitude of 418 kilometers above the South Atlantic. Subsequently, at 4:43 AM, attachment to the ISS was completed. According to the plan, after confirming there are no air leaks and connecting power and communication cables and air ducts between the ISS and HTV-X, astronauts will open the hatch and enter in the evening.
At around 1 AM on the same day, immediately after capture, Yui said with excitement, "I am deeply grateful for the efforts and support for the first HTV-X. This is a historic event in Japan's space program. This spacecraft shines beautifully and symbolizes our bright future. I can't wait to open this golden treasure box." He further said in Japanese, "I would be happy if people feel proud knowing that Japan is contributing to international space development with its high technological capabilities."
The person who had the important responsibility of communication at NASA's control room in Houston, Texas was Akihiko Hoshide, who has completed three flight missions and also served as ISS Commander. Hoshide also called out in Japanese, "HTV-X, which adds new technology to Kounotori, will be a major key to opening up further possibilities for humanity, including low Earth orbit beginning with the ISS and extending to the Moon. Let's continue to work together as one to open up a new future."
From NASA TV
The HTV-X is 8 meters in length, 18 meters in width when the solar panels are deployed and weighs 16 tons at launch excluding loaded cargo. Its cargo transport capacity is 5.85 tons, approximately 1.5 times the 4 tons of Kounotori (excluding the 2 tons of racks). The vehicle was rationalized by changing to a design that loads cargo for use outside the ISS on the exterior of the vehicle. The deadline for loading cargo was improved from 80 hours before launch to 24 hours before launch. Convenience was also enhanced by extending the period it can be moored to the ISS from two to six months, and it was made possible to conduct technology demonstration experiments in space for up to 1.5 years after leaving the ISS and before atmospheric reentry.
The plan is for the ISS to end operations in 2030. With improvements, the HTV-X is expected to transport supplies to commercial space stations established in Earth's orbit and to "Gateway," the station to be constructed in lunar orbit as part of the "Artemis program," the U.S.-led international lunar exploration initiative.
From NASA TV
Original article was provided by the Science Portal and has been translated by Science Japan.