Japan's upgraded HTV-X cargo spacecraft was successfully captured by the International Space Station's robotic arm on Wednesday, soaring 260 miles over the South Atlantic Ocean. Japanese astronaut Kimiya Yui announced the capture, hailing it as a historic event for Japan's space program. The mission delivers supplies and experiments, representing a new era for the nation's contributions to the ISS.
The HTV-X, an upgraded freighter replacing Japan's H-II Transfer Vehicle that resupplied the ISS nine times from 2009 to 2020, launched from Tanegashima Island in southern Japan atop an H3 rocket. The three-and-a-half-day journey ended with the capture at 11:58 am EDT (15:58 UTC), executed by Yui using the station's robotic arm.
"HTV capture complete," Yui radioed. "I just want to say congratulations to all teams and people involved in this mission. Also, thank you very much for your hard work and support for the first HTV-X mission."
Yui described the spacecraft as "so beautiful and shiny, and this is representing our bright future." He added, "This is a historic event in the Japanese space program... I can’t wait to open this golden treasure box."
A video from orbit showed the HTV-X approaching from below the ISS, its golden thermal insulation gleaming against Earth's landscape. At 26 feet (8 meters) long and manufactured by Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, the HTV-X unfurled solar panels in orbit and features improved computers, navigation, and propulsion. It carries over 9,000 pounds (4.1 metric tons) of pressurized cargo—25 percent more than its predecessor—and enhanced external payload capacity.
NASA spokesperson Rob Navias called the flight "flawless," noting that "everything went by the book."
Japan's resupply missions help reimburse NASA for ISS operating costs. Officials plan at least three HTV-X flights, with tentative fourth and fifth before 2030. The second mission will attempt automated docking, essential for future use at the lunar Gateway station. As the ISS approaches decommissioning in 2030, such vehicles underscore the program's legacy in fostering international space logistics.