The Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) has launched the first HTV-X, its new unmanned supply vehicle, from the Tanegashima Space Center in Kagoshima Prefecture to deliver supplies to the International Space Station (ISS). The HTV-X boosts transport capacity by 50% over its predecessor and can carry frozen or refrigerated food as well as research samples. Japanese astronaut Kimiya Yui operated the ISS's robotic arm to capture and dock the vehicle.
The HTV-X will deliver daily necessities and experimental equipment to astronauts on the ISS for extended stays. Japan previously used the HTV unmanned supply vehicle, nicknamed Kounotori, which conducted nine successful transport missions from 2009 to 2020, gaining trust from the United States, Europe, Russia, and other ISS partners.
The successor HTV-X increases transport capacity to 6 tons, 50% more than the HTV, and can now handle food requiring freezing or refrigeration along with research samples. It is expected to play a central role in ISS support through reliable operations. In this mission, the HTV-X transferred a Japanese-made carbon dioxide removal device, whose performance will be tested in space. Removing carbon dioxide and recycling water are essential for sustaining human life in space.
Unlike previous vehicles discarded by atmospheric reentry after delivery, the HTV-X will remain in orbit like a satellite for several months post-ISS to conduct various tests. This includes measuring the vehicle's orbital orientation using ground-based lasers, which could advance technologies for assessing and removing space debris.
ISS operations are set to continue through 2030, with four more HTV-X cargo missions planned. Afterward, its functions will transition to a private space station, prompting Japan to develop private-sector supply vehicles. The U.S.-led Artemis program plans a lunar orbit base, where the HTV-X is hoped to contribute significantly to supply transport.
Japan must strengthen its role in space transportation to support international cooperation.