H-IIB Launch Vehicle

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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!

March 21, 2012 Updated

KOUNOTORI3/H-IIB F3 launch schedule decided!

The launch date and time for the H-IIB Launch Vehicle No. 3 (H-IIB F3) with the H-II Transfer Vehicle "KOUNOTORI3" (HTV3), a cargo transporter to the International Space Station, has been set to be at around 11:18 a.m. on July 21 (Sat.), 2012 (Japan Standard Time.) The launch preparation operation for the KOUNOTORI is smoothly in progress at the Tanegashima Space Center. (Photo:H-IIB F3 revealed to the media on March 8)

January 22, 2011 Updated

KOUNOTORI2/H-IIB F2 successfully launched

The H-IIB Launch Vehicle No. 2 with the KOUNOTORI2 (HTV2, a cargo transporter to the International Space Station, ISS) onboard was launched from the Tanegashima Space Center at 2:37:57 p.m. on January 22 (Sat., Japan Standard Time.) The launch vehicle flew smoothly, and, at about 15 minutes and 13 seconds after liftoff, the separation of the KOUNOTORI2 was confirmed.
The KOUNOTORI2 will fly to the ISS, then, on Jan. 28 (Fri., JST,) it is slated for berthing with the ISS.

December 16, 2010 Updated

H-IIB F2 cryogenic test completed

On December 16, JAXA and Mitsubishi Heavy Industries Ltd. conducted a cryogenic test of the H-IIB Launch Vehicle No. 2 (H-IIB F2) at the Tanegashima Space Center. The launch vehicle and the ground system were connected for the test and all the launch operation procedures just prior to ignition were simulated in the same manner as on the launch day. As a result, no problem was found in functions and data of the launch vehicle and the ground system. We will thus move forward to be ready for launch.

December 6, 2010 Updated

Cryogenic test date set for H-IIB F2

At the Tanegashima Space Center, JAXA and Mitsubishi Heavy Industries are preparing for the launch of the H-II Transfer Vehicle “KOUNOTORI2” (HTV2, a cargo transporter to the International Space Station) by the H-IIB Launch Vehicle No. 2 (H-IIB F2) on January 20, 2011.
As part of the preparations, a cryogenic test will be held on December 16 (Thursday) 2010. The test is to confirm the functions of the launch vehicle and ground facilities by actually loading propellants onto the launch vehicle in the same manner as on the launch day.

November 11, 2010 Updated

HTV nickname selected & special site open!

"KOUNOTORI" (meaning "a white stork" in English) was chosen as the nickname of the H-II Transfer Vehicle (HTV, a cargo transfer vehicle to the International Space Station.)
During a month-long nickname campaign, we received 17,236 suggestions.
Among them, "KOUNOTORI" was selected because a white stork carries an image of conveying an important thing (a baby, happiness, and other joyful things); therefore, it precisely expresses the mission to transport essential materials to the ISS.
The KOUNOTORI2 is scheduled to be launched by the H-IIB Launch Vehicle No. 2 (H-IIB F2) at around 3:29 p.m. (Japan Standard Time) on January 20 (Thu.), 2011.
Taking this opportunity of selecting the nickname, we would also like to open the "KOUNOTORI2/H-IIB F2 Special Site." We will provide you with updated information about the project including a column by project personnel and launch related matters. Please enjoy the site!
* Launch time will be determined by the updated orbit of the ISS.

November 10, 2010 Updated

Launch day set for HTV2/H-IIB F2!

The launch date and time for the H-IIB Launch Vehicle No. 2 (H-IIB F2) with the H-II Transfer Vehicle (HTV2) onboard was set for around 3:29 p.m. on January 20 (Thu.), 2011 (Japan Standard Time). The HTV2 is a cargo transporter to the International Space Station (ISS.) The integration of all modules of the HTV2 was completed at the Tanegashima Space Center (TNSC), and it will enter the final launch preparation phase. The H-IIB F2 has already been transported to the TNSC, and it is now being assembled there.
* Launch time will be determined by the updated orbit of the ISS.

November 5, 2010 Updated

H-IIB F2 open to the press

On Nov. 4, the core vehicles of the H-IIB Launch Vehicle No. 2 (H-IIB F2) were revealed to the media at the Nagoya Aerospace Systems Works Tobishima Plant of Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, LTD.
The H-IIB F2 will be transported to the Tanegashima Space Center to launch the HTV2 (H-II Transfer Vehicle, a cargo transporter to the International Space Station) in this winter launch period.

April 7, 2010 Updated

Development of HTV/H-IIB received Japan industry technology/MEXT award

JAXA was selected as one of 12 organizations to receive the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology award at the 39th Japan industry technology awards for its development of the HTV and H-IIB launch vehicle.
The Japan industry technology awards are presented by Nikkan Kogyo Shimbun Ltd. (Business and Technology Daily News, Japan) to encourage development of original and unique technology that contributes to the promotion of industry. The news company bestows the awards to development projects of distinctive large-scale technological systems.

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.)

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 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." We hope you enjoy the site.
(*) Time will be determined by the updated orbit of the International Space Station (ISS.)

April 22, 2009 Updated

Second CFT for the H-IIB first-stage flight model tank

On April 22 (Wed.), the second captive firing test (CFT) was held for the first-stage flight model tank of the H-IIB Launch Vehicle at Launch Pad 2 at the Yoshinobu Launch Complex, Tanegashima Space Center. The firing duration was only 10 seconds for the first CFT, but the second CFT was conducted for 150 seconds. This time, we verified the tank pressure characteristics and acquired environment data including vibration data on each part of the launch vehicle.

April 2, 2009 Updated

CFT for the first stage flight model tank of the H-IIB Launch Vehicle was performed

On April 2 (Thu.) a captive firing test (CFT) for the first stage flight model tank of the H-IIB Launch Vehicle was held for the first time at Launch Pad 2 in Yoshinobu Launch Complex, Tanegashima Space Center.
The H-IIB is a new large-scale rocket whose launch capability has been improved compared to the H-IIA Launch Vehicle by installing two H-IIA first stage engines, or LE-7As, and by enlarging the first stage diameter from 4 meters to 5.2 meters. During the CFT, an engine firing test was carried out by using an actual flight tank at the launch pad where the first H-IIB will be launched to verify the launch vehicle and ground systems.