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Program Overview
The H-II Transfer Vehicle (HTV), also known as "Kounotori" (meaning "white stork" in Japanese), is an uncrewed cargo spacecraft developed by the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) to resupply the International Space Station (ISS). Designed to deliver supplies to the ISS, the HTV played a crucial role in supporting the station's operations and the Japanese Experiment Module (Kibō). The program demonstrated Japan's capability in autonomous spacecraft operations and significantly contributed to international space endeavors. :contentReference[oaicite:2]{index=2}

Objectives
The primary objectives of the HTV program included:

  • Delivering essential supplies such as food, clothing, and equipment for the ISS crew.
  • Transferring fuel, water, and oxygen to the station's storage tanks.
  • Providing reboost capability to maintain the ISS’s orbital altitude.
  • Serving as a waste disposal vehicle by burning up during controlled atmospheric reentry.

Key Details
- Length: Approximately 10 meters (including thrusters)
- Diameter: 4.4 meters
- Launch Mass: Up to 16,500 kg
- Cargo Capacity: Up to 6,000 kg (combined pressurized and unpressurized)
- Launch Vehicle: H-IIB rocket
- Launch Site: Tanegashima Space Center, Japan
- First Launch: September 10, 2009 (HTV-1)
- Final Launch: May 20, 2020 (HTV-9) :contentReference[oaicite:3]{index=3}

Structure
The HTV consists of several components:

  • Pressurized Logistics Carrier (PLC): A pressurized section for cargo that requires a controlled environment, such as food, clothing, and experiments.
  • Unpressurized Logistics Carrier (ULC): An unpressurized section for external payloads and hardware that do not require a controlled environment.
  • Avionics Module: Houses the vehicle's avionics systems, including navigation and communication equipment.
  • Propulsion Module: Contains the main engines and thrusters used for maneuvering and reboost operations.

Mission Profile
After launch, the HTV would autonomously navigate to the ISS using GPS and rendezvous sensors. Upon reaching a hold point near the station, the ISS crew would use the station's robotic arm, Canadarm2, to capture the vehicle and berth it to the Harmony module's nadir port. The HTV could remain attached to the ISS for about 30 days, during which the crew would unload supplies and load waste materials. After completing its mission, the HTV would be unberthed and perform a controlled reentry, burning up upon reentry into Earth's atmosphere. :contentReference[oaicite:4]{index=4}

Achievements
The HTV program successfully completed nine missions between 2009 and 2020, delivering vital supplies and demonstrating autonomous flight and rendezvous capabilities. It played a key role in maintaining ISS operations, especially following the retirement of the Space Shuttle program. The HTV's design and operational success have influenced the development of future cargo spacecraft, including the upcoming HTV-X, an improved version of the HTV scheduled for its first launch in 2022.

HTV-1
HTV-1

Mission Overview
HTV-1, also known as the HTV Demonstration Flight, was the first mission of JAXA's H-II Transfer Vehicle (HTV) program. Launched on September 10, 2009, its primary objectives were to demonstrate the HTV's autonomous rendezvous and docking capabilities with the International Space Station (ISS) and deliver essential supplies to support ISS operations. This mission marked Japan's significant contribution to ISS logistics and showcased advanced autonomous spacecraft operations.

Objectives
The key goals of the HTV-1 mission included: Validating the HTV's autonomous navigation, rendezvous, and docking systems with the ISS. Delivering a mix of pressurized and unpressurized cargo to the ISS. Demonstrating the vehicle's ability to perform reboost maneuvers to adjust the ISS's orbit. Safely disposing of waste material from the ISS through controlled atmospheric re-entry.

Key Details
- Launch Date: September 10, 2009, 17:01:46 UTC
- Launch Vehicle: H-IIB 304 (F1)
- Launch Site: Tanegashima Space Center, Yoshinobu Launch Complex
- Docking Date: September 17, 2009
- Undocking Date: October 30, 2009
- Deorbit and Re-entry: November 1, 2009

Cargo Delivered
- Total Cargo Mass: Approximately 4,500 kg
- Pressurized Cargo: About 3,600 kg, including food, laboratory experiment materials, hardware for the Japanese Experiment Module (Kibō), and crew supplies.
- Unpressurized Cargo: Around 900 kg, carrying two experimental devices: SMILES (Superconducting Submillimeter-Wave Limb-Emission Sounder) and HREP (HICO-RAIDS Experiment Payload), both installed on the Kibō Exposed Facility.

Mission Highlights
- Autonomous Rendezvous and Capture: On September 17, 2009, HTV-1 successfully approached the ISS and was captured by the station's robotic arm, Canadarm2, operated by astronaut Nicole Stott. It was then berthed to the Harmony module's nadir port. :contentReference[oaicite:2]{index=2}
- Orbital Reboosts: HTV-1 demonstrated its capability to perform reboost maneuvers, adjusting the ISS's orbit to compensate for altitude loss due to atmospheric drag.
- Waste Disposal: After completing its mission, HTV-1 was loaded with waste from the ISS. It undocked on October 30, 2009, and performed a controlled deorbit, re-entering Earth's atmosphere on November 1, 2009, where it burned up over the Pacific Ocean. :contentReference[oaicite:3]{index=3}

Outcomes
The successful completion of the HTV-1 mission validated the HTV's design and operational concepts, paving the way for subsequent missions. It demonstrated JAXA's ability to contribute significantly to ISS logistics and operations, and the technologies developed have influenced future spacecraft designs.

47 photos in 3 sub-albums
HTV-2
HTV-2

Mission Overview
HTV-2, named "Kounotori 2" (meaning "white stork" in Japanese), was the second mission of JAXA's H-II Transfer Vehicle (HTV) program. Launched on January 22, 2011, its primary objectives were to deliver essential supplies to the International Space Station (ISS), perform orbital reboosts, and demonstrate Japan's continued commitment to supporting ISS operations. This mission highlighted Japan's capability in autonomous spacecraft operations and its significant contribution to international space endeavors.

Objectives
The key goals of the HTV-2 mission included: Delivering a mix of pressurized and unpressurized cargo to the ISS. Performing reboost maneuvers to adjust the ISS's orbit, compensating for altitude loss due to atmospheric drag. Serving as a platform for scientific experiments. Safely disposing of waste material from the ISS through controlled atmospheric re-entry.

Key Details
- Launch Date: January 22, 2011, 05:37:57 UTC
- Launch Vehicle: H-IIB No. 2
- Launch Site: Tanegashima Space Center, Yoshinobu Launch Complex
- Capture Date: January 27, 2011
- Berthing Date: January 27, 2011, 14:51 UTC
- Unberthing Date: March 28, 2011, 13:43 UTC
- Re-entry: March 30, 2011, 03:09 UTC

Cargo Delivered
- Total Cargo Mass: Approximately 5,300 kg
- Pressurized Cargo: About 4,000 kg, including food, laboratory experiment materials, hardware for the Japanese Experiment Module (Kibō), and crew supplies.
- Unpressurized Cargo: Around 1,300 kg, carrying two Orbital Replacement Units (ORUs): the Flex Hose Rotary Coupler (FHRC) and the Cargo Transportation Container (CTC-4), both installed on the ExPRESS Logistics Carrier-4 (ELC-4).

Mission Highlights
- Autonomous Rendezvous and Capture: On January 27, 2011, HTV-2 successfully approached the ISS and was captured by the station's robotic arm, Canadarm2, operated by astronaut Catherine Coleman and ESA astronaut Paolo Nespoli. It was then berthed to the Harmony module's nadir port. [Source: Kounotori 2 - Wikipedia]
- Orbital Reboosts: HTV-2 demonstrated its capability to perform reboost maneuvers, adjusting the ISS's orbit to compensate for altitude loss due to atmospheric drag.
- Scientific Contributions: HTV-2 transported scientific equipment and experiments, including the Gradient

27 photos in 1 sub-album
HTV-3
HTV-3

Mission Overview
HTV-3, named "Kounotori 3" (meaning "white stork" in Japanese), was the third mission in JAXA's H-II Transfer Vehicle (HTV) program. Launched on July 21, 2012, its primary objectives were to deliver essential supplies to the International Space Station (ISS), perform orbital reboosts, and demonstrate Japan's ongoing commitment to supporting ISS operations. This mission highlighted Japan's capability in autonomous spacecraft operations and its significant contribution to international space endeavors.

Objectives
The key goals of the HTV-3 mission included: Delivering a mix of pressurized and unpressurized cargo to the ISS. Performing reboost maneuvers to adjust the ISS's orbit, compensating for altitude loss due to atmospheric drag. Serving as a platform for scientific experiments and technology demonstrations. Safely disposing of waste material from the ISS through controlled atmospheric re-entry.

Key Details
- Launch Date: July 21, 2012, 02:06:18 UTC
- Launch Vehicle: H-IIB No. 3
- Launch Site: Tanegashima Space Center, Yoshinobu Launch Complex
- Capture Date: July 27, 2012, 12:23 UTC
- Berthing Date: July 27, 2012, 14:34 UTC
- Unberthing Date: September 11, 2012, 11:50 UTC
- Re-entry: September 14, 2012, 05:27 UTC

Cargo Delivered
- Total Cargo Mass: Approximately 4,600 kg
- Pressurized Cargo: About 3,500 kg, including food, laboratory experiment materials, hardware for the Japanese Experiment Module (Kibō), and crew supplies.
- Unpressurized Cargo: Around 1,100 kg, carrying the Multi-mission Consolidated Equipment (MCE) and the Space Communications and Navigation (SCAN) Testbed.

Mission Highlights
- Autonomous Rendezvous and Capture: On July 27, 2012, HTV-3 successfully approached the ISS and was captured by the station's robotic arm, Canadarm2, operated by astronaut Joseph M. Acaba. It was then berthed to the Harmony module's nadir port. [Source: JAXA](https://global.jaxa.jp/countdown/h2bf3/overview/htv_e.html) - Orbital Reboosts: HTV-3 demonstrated its capability to perform reboost maneuvers, adjusting the ISS's orbit to compensate for altitude loss due to atmospheric drag. - Technology Demonstrations: The mission introduced several enhancements, including: New thrusters developed by IHI Aerospace, replacing previous models. Improved communication equipment. First use of the Exposed Pallet–Multi-Purpose (EP-MP), a redesigned, lighter pallet for unpressurized cargo. Enhanced late access cargo capability, allowing more time-sensitive payloads to be loaded closer to launch. - Scientific Contributions: HTV-3 transported scientific equipment and experiments, such as the Aquatic Habitat (AQH) for research on aquatic organisms in microgravity, and facilitated the deployment of five CubeSats using the JEM-Small Satellite Orbital Deployer (J-SSOD). - Waste Disposal: After completing its mission, HTV-3 was loaded with waste from the ISS. It was unberthed on September 11, 2012, and performed a controlled deorbit, re-entering Earth's atmosphere on September 14, 2012, where it burned up over the Pacific Ocean.

Outcomes
The successful completion of the HTV-3 mission further validated the HTV's design and operational concepts, contributing to the ongoing support of ISS logistics and operations. The technologies and improvements demonstrated during this mission have influenced subsequent HTV missions and future spacecraft designs.

43 photos in 1 sub-album
HTV-4
HTV-4

Mission Overview
HTV-4, named "Kounotori 4" (meaning "white stork" in Japanese), was the fourth mission in JAXA's H-II Transfer Vehicle (HTV) program. Launched on August 3, 2013, its primary objectives were to deliver essential supplies to the International Space Station (ISS), perform orbital reboosts, and demonstrate Japan's ongoing commitment to supporting ISS operations. This mission highlighted Japan's capability in autonomous spacecraft operations and its significant contribution to international space endeavors.

Objectives
The key goals of the HTV-4 mission included: Delivering a mix of pressurized and unpressurized cargo to the ISS. Performing reboost maneuvers to adjust the ISS's orbit, compensating for altitude loss due to atmospheric drag. Serving as a platform for scientific experiments and technology demonstrations. Safely disposing of waste material from the ISS through controlled atmospheric re-entry.

Key Details
- Launch Date: August 3, 2013, 19:48:46 UTC
- Launch Vehicle: H-IIB No. 4
- Launch Site: Tanegashima Space Center, Yoshinobu Launch Complex
- Capture Date: August 9, 2013, 11:22 UTC
- Berthing Date: August 9, 2013, 15:28 UTC
- Unberthing Date: September 4, 2013, 12:07 UTC
- Re-entry: September 7, 2013, 06:37 UTC

Cargo Delivered
- Total Cargo Mass: Approximately 5,400 kg
- Pressurized Cargo: About 3,900 kg, including food, laboratory experiment materials, hardware for the Japanese Experiment Module (Kibō), and crew supplies.
- Unpressurized Cargo: Around 1,500 kg, carrying Orbital Replacement Units (ORUs) and experiment payloads.

Mission Highlights
- Autonomous Rendezvous and Capture: On August 9, 2013, HTV-4 successfully approached the ISS and was captured by the station's robotic arm, Canadarm2, operated by astronaut Karen Nyberg. It was then berthed to the Harmony module's nadir port. [Source: JAXA](https://iss.jaxa.jp/en/htv/mission/htv-4/) - Orbital Reboosts: HTV-4 demonstrated its capability to perform reboost maneuvers, adjusting the ISS's orbit to compensate for altitude loss due to atmospheric drag. - Technology Demonstrations: The mission introduced several enhancements, including: Installation of a sensor module to measure surface electrical potential during berthing to the ISS. Reentry with unpressurized waste cargo, including the NASA engineering experiment module STP-H3. Trajectory adjustments to allow reentry observation from the ISS. [Source: Wikipedia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kounotori_4) - Waste Disposal: After completing its mission, HTV-4 was loaded with waste from the ISS. It undocked on September 4, 2013, and performed a controlled deorbit, re-entering Earth's atmosphere on September 7, 2013, where it burned up over the Pacific Ocean. [Source: Odyssey Space Research](https://odysseysr.com/update/successful-htv-4-mission/)

Outcomes
The successful completion of the HTV-4 mission further validated the HTV's design and operational concepts, paving the way for subsequent missions. It demonstrated JAXA's ability to contribute significantly to ISS logistics and operations, and the technologies developed have influenced future spacecraft designs.

29 photos in 1 sub-album
HTV-5
HTV-5

Mission Overview
HTV-5, named "Kounotori 5" (meaning "white stork" in Japanese), was the fifth mission in JAXA's H-II Transfer Vehicle (HTV) program. Launched on August 19, 2015, its primary objectives were to deliver essential supplies to the International Space Station (ISS), perform orbital reboosts, and demonstrate Japan's ongoing commitment to supporting ISS operations. This mission highlighted Japan's capability in autonomous spacecraft operations and its significant contribution to international space endeavors.

Objectives
The key goals of the HTV-5 mission included: Delivering a mix of pressurized and unpressurized cargo to the ISS. Performing reboost maneuvers to adjust the ISS's orbit, compensating for altitude loss due to atmospheric drag. Serving as a platform for scientific experiments and technology demonstrations. Safely disposing of waste material from the ISS through controlled atmospheric re-entry.

Key Details
- Launch Date: August 19, 2015, 11:50:49 UTC
- Launch Vehicle: H-IIB F5
- Launch Site: Tanegashima Space Center, Yoshinobu Launch Complex
- Capture Date: August 24, 2015, 10:29 UTC
- Berthing Date: August 24, 2015, 14:02 UTC
- Unberthing Date: September 28, 2015, 11:12 UTC
- Re-entry: September 29, 2015, 20:33 UTC

Cargo Delivered
- Total Cargo Mass: Approximately 5,500 kg
- Pressurized Cargo: About 4,500 kg, including food, laboratory experiment materials, hardware for the Japanese Experiment Module (Kibō), and crew supplies.
- Unpressurized Cargo: Around 1,000 kg, carrying the CALorimetric Electron Telescope (CALET) for installation on the ISS's Exposed Facility.

Mission Highlights
- Autonomous Rendezvous and Capture: On August 24, 2015, HTV-5 successfully approached the ISS and was captured by the station's robotic arm, Canadarm2, operated by astronaut Kimiya Yui. It was then berthed to the Harmony module's nadir port. [Source: JAXA](https://iss.jaxa.jp/en/htv/mission/htv-5/) - Orbital Reboosts: HTV-5 demonstrated its capability to perform reboost maneuvers, adjusting the ISS's orbit to compensate for altitude loss due to atmospheric drag. - Technology Demonstrations: The mission introduced several enhancements, including: Delivery of the CALET instrument, designed to observe high-energy cosmic rays and contribute to understanding dark matter and the universe's structure. Transport of various life support system components, including multifiltration beds and a Fluids Control and Pump Assembly for the station's water recycling system. [Source: NASA](https://www.nasa.gov/blogs/spacestation/2015/08/19/japanese-htv-5-cargo-mission-launches-and-reaches-orbit/) - Waste Disposal: After completing its mission, HTV-5 was loaded with waste from the ISS. It undocked on September 28, 2015, and performed a controlled deorbit, re-entering Earth's atmosphere on September 29, 2015, where it burned up over the Pacific Ocean. [Source: JAXA](https://iss.jaxa.jp/en/htv/mission/htv-5/)

Outcomes
The successful completion of the HTV-5 mission further validated the HTV's design and operational concepts, paving the way for subsequent missions. It demonstrated JAXA's ability to contribute significantly to ISS logistics and operations, and the technologies developed have influenced future spacecraft designs.

5 photos in 1 sub-album
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