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. (Images by NASA)
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 9, 2009 Updated
HTV/H-IIB launch was set for 2:01 a.m. on the 11th (Fri)
Live Launch Report starts at 1:30 a.m.
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 8, 2009 Updated
JAXA hires another astronaut candidate!
JAXA decided to hire another astronaut candidate who will be on the backup list in addition to the two astronaut candidates who were hired by JAXA in April.The astronaut candidate selected this time will go through training, and be certified as a JAXA astronaut upon completion of the training. After that, if he is chosen as an astronaut to travel to the International Space Station (ISS), he will further take mission-specific training to stay at the ISS for conducting operations and maintenance of the ISS including the Japan Experiment Module "Kibo" and various space experiments.
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.