March 30, 2011 Updated
KOUNOTORI2 re-entered the atmosphere to complete its mission!
The KOUNOTORI2 (HTV2, a cargo transporter to the International Space Station,) which left the ISS at around 0:46 a.m. on March 29 (Japan Standard Time,) re-entered the atmosphere at around 12:09 p.m. on March 30 (JST.)The KOUNOTORI2 successfully completed its role to transport materials to the ISS, then re-entered the Earth’s atmosphere to complete its mission of approximately 67 days.
Thank you very much for supporting the KOUNOTORI2 and H-IIB Launch Vehicle No.2 missions.
March 29, 2011 Updated
KOUNOTORI2 left ISS!
The KOUNOTORI2 (HTV2, a cargo transporter to the ISS) was detached from the International Space Station (ISS) using the ISS robotic arm at 10:29 p.m. on March 28 (Japan Standard time,) and it emitted a jet to leave the ISS after being transported to the release point at 0:46 a.m. on the 30th.The KOUNOTORI2 will re-enter the Earth’s atmosphere at around 12:09 on March 30. From some areas, you can see the KOUNOTORI2 flying around the Earth between the 29th and the 30th. Also, please witness the scene of the HTV operation and control room when it re-enters the atmosphere through the live Internet broadcast, which will begin at 11:30 a.m. on the 30th.
March 25, 2011 Updated
KOUNOTORI2 leaving ISS on the 29th! Live broadcast scheduled
The KOUNOTORI2 (HTV2, a cargo transporter to the International Space Station) will depart from the ISS with used material loaded on March 29 (Japan Standard Time,) and will be slated for re-entry to the atmosphere on the 30th (JST.) JAXA will broadcast a live Internet report of the KOUNOTORI departure from the ISS from 0:00 a.m. on the 29th (JST,) then its re-entry to the atmosphere from 11:30 a.m. on the 30th (JST.) Please watch the events through the Internet!
March 22, 2011 Updated
KOUNOTORI2 to leave ISS
The departure date of the KOUNOTORI2 (HTV2, a cargo transporter to the ISS), which is loaded with used materials, from the International Space Station (ISS) has been decided.The KOUNOTORI2 will leave the ISS at around 0:45 a.m. on March 29 (Japan Standard Time) after completing its role at the ISS. After departure, it will be burned when it re-enters the atmosphere at around 12:10 p.m. on March 30. Following its combustion, its mission will be accomplished.
We will broadcast a live report of the departure and re-entry of the KOUNOTORI2. More details will be posted on our website. (Photo by NASA)
March 11, 2011 Updated
KOUNOTORI2 relocation to the earth-facing port completed
At 8:49 p.m. on March 10 (Japan Standard Time), the KOUNOTORI2 (HTV2, a cargo transporter to the International Space Station) began to be moved from the zenith port to the earth-facing port using the robotic arm of the International Space Station. At 3:55 a.m. on the 11th (JST,) KOUNOTORI2's electric and communication systems were connected to the ISS to complete the relocation. After being loaded with used items, the KOUNOTORI2 will re-enter the atmosphere to be burned.
March 9, 2011 Updated
KOUNOTORI2 to return to earth-facing port from March 10
The KOUNOTORI2 (HTV2, a cargo transporter to the International Space Station), will move back to the earth-facing port of the Harmony (Node 2) from its zenith port now that the Space Shuttle Discovery left the ISS to go home on March 7 (Japan Standard Time.) The relocation is scheduled to be performed on the 10th and 11th (JST.) More cargo will be taken out of the KOUNOTORI2, then, after being packed with used materials, the KOUNOTORI2 will re-enter the atmosphere. (Photo by NASA)
February 28, 2011 Updated
All spacecraft transporters get together at ISS
On Feb. 27 (Japan Standard Time), the Space Shuttle Discovery of the United States docked with the International Space Station (ISS). As the KOUNOTORI2, a JAXA cargo transporter to the ISS, the European cargo transporter, ATV2, the Russian Progress cargo transporter and Soyuz were already at the ISS, the Discovery arrival marks for the first time that all the manned and unmanned space vehicles which are currently in operation from ISS participating countries in the world are at the ISS (Image by NASA TV)
February 21, 2011 Updated
KOUNOTORI2 relocation to the zenith port completed
As part of preparations for the Space Shuttle Discovery’ s docking with the International Space Station (ISS,) the KOUNOTORI2 , or the HTV2, a cargo transporter to the ISS, was moved from the earth-facing port of the Harmony (Node 2) to its zenith port. This was the first time to perform such a relocation. The KOUNOTORI2 was successfully transported at 1:45 a.m. on Feb. 19 (Japan Standard Time,) and the electric cables were connected with the Harmony at 4:26 a.m. (JST) to complete its relocation.
February 16, 2011 Updated
KOUNOTORI2 relocation of berthing port on Feb. 18
Cargo unloading is continuing from the Pressurized Logistic Carrier (PLC) of the KOUNOTORI2, a cargo transporter to the International Space Station (ISS). Over 70 percent of cargo has already been delivered to the ISS. In parallel, trash and used materials to be discarded have been loaded onto the PLC. The mission is progressing very smoothly.On February 18, the KOUNOTORI2 will be moved temporarily to a different berthing port from the current one as part of preparations for the arrival and docking of the Space Shuttle “Discovery.” The relocation using the ISS’s robotic arm is scheduled to begin at 8:30 p.m. on February 18 and complete at 6:00 a.m. on the 19th.
February 8, 2011 Updated
Exposed Pallet stored on the KOUNOTORI2
On February 4 (Japan Standard Time,) cargo on the Exposed Pallet (EP) of the KOUNOTORI2, or the HTV2, a cargo transporter to the International Space Station (ISS,) was moved to the Enhanced Orbital replacement Unit Temporary Platform.Then, on Feb. 7 (JST,) the EP was stored back in the KOUNOTORI2's Unpressurized Logistic Carrier.
The ISS astronauts will remove cargo from the KOUNOTORI's Pressurized Logistic Carrier, and the KOUNOTORI2 will be moved to a different port to be ready for the docking of the Space Shuttle with the ISS.
February 2, 2011 Updated
KOUNOTORI2's Exposed Pallet attached to Kibo's Exposed Facility
On February 1, the Exposed Pallet (EP) was removed from the Unpressurized Logistic Carrier of the KOUNOTORI2, or the HTV2, a cargo transporter to the International Space Station (ISS,) by the ISS robotic arm (SSRMS) at 5:54 p.m.Then, at 8:57 p.m., the EP was installed onto the Exposed Facility of the ISS's Japanese Experiment Module "Kibo." Cargo on the EP, including NASA's cargo, a Cargo Transport Container (CTC,) and Flex Hose Rotary Couplers (FHRC,) will be moved to the ISS's exposed cargo storage area using the ISS's Special Purpose Dexterous Manipulator "Dextre." The emptied EP will be transported back to the KOUNOTORI2.
January 28, 2011 Updated
KOUNOTORI2 berthing at ISS
The KOUNOTORI2, or the HTV2, a cargo transporter to the International Space Station (ISS) launched by the H-IIB Launch Vehicle No.2, was captured by the ISS robotic arm at around 8:41 p.m. on January 27 (Japan Standard Time,) and, at around 3:34 a.m. on the 28th (JST,) the KOUNOTORI berthed at the ISS. Cargo in the Pressurized Section will be transported to the ISS by the ISS astronauts followed by cargo in unpressurized areas.
January 25, 2011 Updated
KOUNOTORI2 final approach to the ISS
Live broadcast will start at 7:50 p.m. on the 27th (JST)
The KOUNOTORI2 (HTV2, a cargo transporter to the ISS), which was launched by the H-IIB Launch Vehicle No. 2 at 2:37:57 p.m. on January 22 (Sat.,) 2011 (Japan Standard Time), has been flying smoothly, and it is gradually approaching the International Space Station (ISS) through an altitude control maneuver.The KOUNOTORI2 is slated for berthing at the ISS on January 28 (Fri., JST.) We will broadcast a live report of capturing the KOUNOTORI2 by the ISS robotic arm from 7:50 p.m. on the 27th (JST), and the berthing of the KOUNOTORI at the ISS from 10:45 p.m. on the same day. You can enjoy our live reports at some public viewing sites as well as through cable TV and websites. Please watch them.
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.
January 20, 2011 Updated
New launch date and time of KOUNOTORI2/H-IIB F2 decided
Live launch report starts at 1:30 p.m. on Jan. 22
The new launch date and time of the H-IIB Launch Vehicle No. 2 with the KOUNOTORI2 (a cargo transporter to the International Space Station) onboard were set at 2:37:57 p.m. on January 22 (Sat., Japan Standard Time.) The launch was originally scheduled for January 20 (JST.)We will broadcast the live launch report from 1:30 p.m. on the 22th (JST.) You can watch it at some public viewing sites such as JAXA offices and science museums as well as through cable TV and some websites. Please join us!
January 19, 2011 Updated
KOUNOTORI2/H-IIB F2 launch delay
The launch of the H-IIB Launch Vehicle No. 2 with the KOUNOTORI2 (HTV2, a cargo transporter to the International Space Station) has been postponed as unfavorable weather is forecast around the launch time. The new launch day will be no earlier than January 22 (Sat.,) 2011 (Japan Standard Time, JST).The launch was originally scheduled for 3:29:19 p.m. on January 20 (Thur.,) 2011 (JST.)
We will announce the new launch day and time as soon as it is decided.
January 18, 2011 Updated
Launch time of KOUNOTORI2/H-IIB F2 decided Live launch report starts
at 2:30 p.m. on Jan. 20
The launch time of the H-IIB Launch Vehicle No. 2 with the KOUNOTORI2 (a cargo transporter to the International Space Station) onboard was set at 3:29:19 p.m. on January 20 (Thur., Japan Standard Time.)We will broadcast the live launch report from 2:30 p.m. on the 20th (JST.) You can watch it at some public viewing sites such as JAXA offices and science museums as well as through cable TV and some websites. Please join us!
January 13, 2011 Updated
KOUNOTORI2/H-IIB F2 live launch broadcast starts at 2:30 p.m. on Jan. 20!
JAXA will broadcast a live launch report of the KOUNOTORI2/H-IIB Launch Vehicle No.2 from 2:30 p.m. on January 20 (Thur.) You can watch the live report at public viewing sites including JAXA offices and science museums as well as through cable TV and some websites. Why don’t you watch the live launch with us?
Broadcast Schedule
- KOUNOTORI2(HTV2)/H-IIB No.2 Launch:
from 2:30 p.m. on January 20 (Thu, JST) (for one and a half hours) - Final Approach to the ISS, Capture by the SSRMS:
from 7:50 p.m. on January 27 (Thu, JST) (for one hour) - HTV docking with the ISS:
from 10:30 p.m. on January 27 (Thu, JST) (for one hour)
January 12, 2011 Updated
KOUNOTORI2 loaded onto H-IIB F2
On Jan. 7, the encapsulated KOUNOTORI2, or the HTV2, a cargo transporter to the International Space Station, was moved from the Spacecraft and Fairing Assembly Building No. 2 to the Vehicle Assembly Building at the Tanegashima Space Center, where it was loaded onto the H-IIB Launch Vehicle No.2 (H-IIB F2.) Cargo loading operations for the KOUNOTORI2’s pressurized carrier began.The H-IIB F2 with the KOUNOTORI2 aboard will be transported to the launch pad to be launched at around 3:29 p.m. on Jan. 20 (Japan Standard Time.)
January 6, 2011 Updated
Preparations for loading KOUNOTORI2 onto H-IIB F2
JAXA has confirmed that no problem exists in the launch preparations of the “KOUNOTORI2” (HTV2, a cargo transporter to the International Space Station), through propellant loading operations and visual inspections at Spacecraft and Fairing Assembly Building No.2 at the Tanegashima Space Center.On Dec. 23, 2010, the KOUNOTORI2 was mated with the Payload Attach Fitting (PAF), which is a step for being attached to the launch vehicle, to be ready for loading aboard the H-IIB Launch Vehicle No. 2 (H-IIB F2). Then, between Dec. 25 and 29, the KOUNOTORI2 on the PAF was covered by a fairing (a protective shroud for the payload on the top of the launch vehicle.)
We are now in final preparations for the launch including the loading operation of the encapsulated KOUNOTORI2 onto the H-IIB F2. (Photo: KOUNOTORI2 encapsulation)
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 14, 2010 Updated
KOUNOTORI2 system checkup completed
At the Tanegashima Space Center, all parts of the H-II Transfer Vehicle “KOUNOTORI2” (HTV2) were integrated electrically and mechanically in the end of October. Throughout November, the assembled KOUNOTORI2 has been checked as one system to confirm that no problem was found in the vehicle. After a thorough inspection, propellants were loaded onto the KOUNOTORI2 tanks, and currently the tank pressure is being adjusted. Preparation for launch is smoothly progressing.
The final launch preparation including battery charge and loading onto the H-IIA Launch Vehicle No.2 will now be carried out for the KOUNOTORI2. (Photo: Propellant loading onto the KOUNOTORI2)
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.
December 1, 2010 Updated
KOUNOTORI2 control and operation simulation revealed to the press
On November 30, JAXA showed part of the control and operation simulation of the KOUNOTORI2 to the media at the Tsukuba Space Center. The KOUNOTORI2 (HTV2) is a cargo transfer vehicle to the International Space Station (ISS.)The purpose of the simulation was to train and improve operators’ skills. It takes about 20 hours with NASA to simulate events, from the KOUNOTORI2’s arrival at around 12-km beneath the ISS, to its gradual approach to the ISS, to the capture of the KOUNOTORI2 by the ISS robotic arm, and then the docking of the KOUNOTORI2.
November 26, 2010 Updated
KOUNOTORI2 shown to the Press at TNSC
On Nov. 25, the H-II Transfer Vehicle “KOUNOTORI”2 (a cargo transporter to the International Space Station) was revealed to the media at the Spacecraft and Fairing Assembly Building No. 2 at the Tanegashima Space Center. We are engaging in preparation for the launch of the KOUNOTORI2 including propellant loading and mating with the launch vehicle.JAXA provides updated information about the KOUNOTORI2 and H-IIB Launch Vehicle No.2 at the special site. Your support messages are welcome there, too.
November 12, 2010 Updated
H-IIB F2 arrives at TNSC
The H-IIB Launch Vehicle No.2 (H-IIB F2,) which will carry the H-II Transfer Vehicle "KOUNOTORI"2 (HTV2, a cargo transporter to the International Space Station,) arrived at Shimama Port at Tanegashima in the afternoon of November 10, and was transported on land to the Tanegashima Space Center (TNSC) in the early morning of the 11th.The first and second stages of the H-IIB F2 were packed in separate containers for transportation, thus they will be assembled at the Vehicle Assembly Building (VAB) at the TNSC.
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.