H-II Transfer Vehicle explained

H-II Transfer Vehicle
Kounotori
Country:Japan
Operator:JAXA
Applications:Automated cargo spacecraft to resupply the ISS
Spacecraft Type:Cargo
Volume:Pressurized:
Length:~ (including thrusters)
Capacities:
Kilos:[1] [2]
Status:Retired (original model)
In development (HTV-X)
Built:9
Orders:1
Launched:9
First:10 September 2009
Last:20 May 2020

The H-II Transfer Vehicle (HTV), also called, is an expendable, automated cargo spacecraft used to resupply the Kibō Japanese Experiment Module (JEM) and the International Space Station (ISS). The Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) has been working on the design since the early 1990s. The first mission, HTV-1, was originally intended to be launched in 2001. It launched at 17:01 UTC on 10 September 2009 on an H-IIB launch vehicle.[3] The name Kounotori was chosen for the HTV by JAXA because "a white stork carries an image of conveying an important thing (a baby, happiness, and other joyful things), therefore, it precisely expresses the HTV's mission to transport essential materials to the ISS".[4] The HTV is very important for resupplying the ISS because after the retirement of the Space Shuttle it is the only vehicle that can transfer new 41.3 in (105 cm) wide International Standard Payload Racks (ISPRs) and dispose old ISPRs that can fit the 51 in (130 cm) wide tunnels between modules in the US Orbital Segment.

Design

The HTV is about long (including maneuvering thrusters at one end) and in diameter. Total mass when empty is, with a maximum total payload of, for a maximum launch weight of .[5]

The HTV is comparable in function to the Russian Progress, ESA ATV, commercial Cargo Dragon 1, and Cargo Dragon 2 of SpaceX. Plus the Cygnus spacecraft, all of which bring supplies to the ISS. Like the ATV, the HTV carries more than twice the payload of the Progress, but is launched less than half as often. Unlike Progress spacecraft, Cargo Dragon 2's and ATV's which use the docking ports automatically, HTVs and American Dragon 1 approach the ISS in stages, and once they reach their closest parking orbit to the ISS, crew grapple them using the robotic arm Canadarm2 and berth them to an open berthing port on the Harmony module.[6]

The HTV has an external payload bay which is accessed by the robotic arm after it has been berthed to the ISS. New payloads can be moved directly from the HTV to Kibōs exposed facility. Internally, it has eight International Standard Payload Racks (ISPRs) in total which can be unloaded by the crew in a shirt-sleeve environment. After the retirement of NASA's Space Shuttle in 2011, HTVs became the only spacecraft capable of transporting ISPRs to the ISS. The SpaceX Dragon and Northrop Grumman Cygnus can carry resupply cargo bags but not ISPRs.

The intent behind the HTV's modularized design was to use different module configurations to match different mission requirements.[7] However, to reduce the development cost it was decided to fly the mixed PLC/ULC configuration only.[7]

To control the HTV's attitude and perform the orbital maneuvers such as rendezvous and reentry, the craft has four 500-N-class main thrusters and twenty-eight 110-N-class attitude control thrusters. Both use bipropellant, namely monomethylhydrazine (MMH) as fuel and mixed oxides of nitrogen (MON3) as oxidizer.[8] HTV-1, HTV-2, and HTV-4 use Aerojet's 110 N R-1E, Space Shuttle's vernier engine, and the 500 N based on the Apollo spacecraft's R-4D.[8] Later HTVs use 500 N class HBT-5 thrusters and 120 N class HBT-1 thrusters made by Japanese manufacturer IHI Aerospace Co., Ltd.[9] The HTV carries about 2400 kg of propellant in four tanks.[8]

After the unloading process is completed, the HTV is loaded with waste and unberthed. The vehicle then deorbits and is destroyed during reentry, the debris falling into the Pacific Ocean.[10]

Flights

Initially seven missions were planned in 2008–2015. With the extension of the ISS project through 2028, three more missions were added, with the tenth flight seeing an improved, cost-reduced version called the HTV-X.[11]

The first vehicle was launched on an H-IIB rocket, a more powerful version of the earlier H-IIA, at 17:01 UTC on 10 September 2009, from Launch Pad 2 of the Yoshinobu Launch Complex at the Tanegashima Space Center.[12]

, a total of nine missions successfully launched — one each year for 2015–2019 (though there was no launch in 2017, pushing back the latest to 2020)[13] — one fewer total mission than had been planned in August 2013 at the time the fourth HTV mission was underway.[14]

The improved version of the craft HTV-X is planned to be first used for the tenth flight and will perform scheduled ISS resupply duties for 2021-2024 (with a first launch scheduled for February 2022).[15] In addition, JAXA has agreed to provide HTV-X logistic resupply flights to the Gateway mini-space station (launched by either Falcon Heavy or Ariane 6) as part of its Gateway contribution in addition to co-developing a habitation module with the ESA.[16]

HTVLaunch date/time (UTC)Berth date/time (UTC)[17] Carrier rocketReentry date/time (UTC)Outcome
HTV-110 September 2009, 17:01:5617 September 2009, 22:12H-IIB F11 November 2009, 21:26[18]
HTV-222 January 2011, 05:37:5727 January 2011, 14:51H-IIB F230 March 2011, 03:09[19]
HTV-321 July 2012, 02:06:1827 July 2012, 14:34H-IIB F314 September 2012, 05:27
HTV-43 August 2013, 19:48:469 August 2013, 15:38H-IIB F4[20] 7 September 2013, 06:37[21]
HTV-519 August 2015, 11:50:4924 August 2015, 17:28[22] H-IIB F529 September 2015, 20:33[23]
HTV-69 December 2016, 13:26:4713 December 2016, 18:24H-IIB F65 February 2017, 15:06[24]
HTV-722 September 2018, 17:52:2727 September 2018, 18:08H-IIB F710 November 2018, 21:38[25]
HTV-824 September 2019, 16:05:0528 September 2019, 14:09H-IIB F83 November 2019, 02:09
HTV-920 May 2020, 17:31:0025 May 2020, 12:13H-IIB F9 (last)20 August 2020, 07:07

Successor

HTV-X

See main article: HTV-X. In May 2015, Japan's Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology announced a proposal to replace the HTV with an improved, cost-reduced version preliminary called HTV-X.[11] [26]

In December 2015, the plan to develop HTV-X was approved by the Strategic Headquarters for Space Policy of the Cabinet Office, targeting launch in fiscal year 2021 for the flight of HTV-X1 (Technical Demonstration Vehicle) by the H3 rocket.[27] [28], new ISS plans from NASA's Flight Planning Integration Panel have set the launch of HTV-X1 for February 2022, which is on schedule.[29] In 2022 the debut of the HTV-X spacecraft has been furtherly delayed to January 2024.[30]

The HTV-X has a length of 6.2 m, or 10 m with the unpressurised cargo module fitted. The payload fairing adaptor and payload dispenser have been widened from 1.7 m to 4.4 m to allow the pressurized cargo module to be swapped out for alternate modules, to add increased structural strength, and to accommodate the side hatch.[28]

, an evolutionary version of HTV-X called HTV-XG is being considered for transferring cargo to the Lunar Gateway as part of the Artemis program.[31]

Former evolutionary proposals

HTV-R

, JAXA was planning to add a return capsule option. In this concept, HTV's pressurized cargo would be replaced by a reentry module capable of returning cargo from ISS to Earth.[32] [33]

Further, conceptual plans in 2012 included a follow-on spacecraft design by 2022 which would accommodate a crew of three and carry up to of cargo.[34]

Lagrange outpost resupply

, both JAXA and Mitsubishi conducted studies of a next generation HTV as a possible Japanese contribution to the proposed international crewed outpost at Earth-Moon L2.[35] [36] This variant of HTV was to be launched by H-X Heavy and can carry 1800 kg of supplies to EML2. Modifications from the current HTV includes the addition of solar electric paddles and extension of the propellant tank.[35]

Human-rated variant

A proposal announced in June 2008, "Preliminary Study for Manned Spacecraft with Escape System and H-IIB Rocket" suggested combining HTV's propulsion module with a human-rated capsule for four people.[37]

Japanese space station

A Japanese space station has been proposed to be built up from HTV modules.[38] This method is similar to how the modules in Mir, as well as many modules of the Russian Orbital Segment of the ISS are based on the TKS cargo vehicle design.

See also

External links

Notes and References

  1. Web site: Overview of the "KOUNOTORI" . https://web.archive.org/web/20101115022444/http://www.jaxa.jp/countdown/h2bf2/overview/htv_e.html. 15 November 2010. JAXA. 18 January 2011.
  2. Web site: http://www.mext.go.jp/b_menu/shingi/gijyutu/gijyutu2/060/shiryo/__icsFiles/afieldfile/2015/11/02/1359727_6.pdf. ja:「こうのとり」（HTV）5号機の搭載物変更について . 31 July 2015. 17 December 2015. live . https://web.archive.org/web/20151222104032/http://www.mext.go.jp/b_menu/shingi/gijyutu/gijyutu2/060/shiryo/__icsFiles/afieldfile/2015/11/02/1359727_6.pdf. 22 December 2015.
  3. Web site: NASA Sets Briefing, TV Coverage of Japan's First Cargo Spacecraft. NASA. 2009-09-03. live . https://web.archive.org/web/20110417014822/http://www.nasa.gov/home/hqnews/2009/aug/HQ_M09-164_HTV_Briefing.html. 2011-04-17.
  4. Web site: "KOUNOTORI" Chosen as Nickname of the H-II Transfer Vehicle (HTV). JAXA. 11 November 2010 . 11 November 2010. dead. https://web.archive.org/web/20101222201702/http://www.jaxa.jp/press/2010/11/20101111_kounotori_e.html. 22 December 2010.
  5. Web site: H-II Transfer Vehicle "KOUNOTORI" (HTV). Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency. 2007. 2010-11-11. dead. https://web.archive.org/web/20101116044853/http://www.jaxa.jp/projects/rockets/htv/design_e.html. 2010-11-16.
  6. Fujimoto. Nobuyoshi . Kibo Utilization Status Update. 17th Session of the Asia Pacific Regional Space Agency Forum . https://web.archive.org/web/20120317080738/http://www.aprsaf.org/data/aprsaf17_data/DAY1-seu_0950-Kibo_Utilization_Status.pdf. 17 March 2012. 23–26 November 2010. 20 June 2019.
  7. Development of the H-II Transfer Vehicle (HTV). Mitsubishi Heavy Industries Technical Review. 47. 1. Yoichiro . Miki. Naohiko. Abe. Koichi. Matsuyama. Kazumi. Masuda. Nobuhiko. Fukuda. Hiroshi. Sasaki. March 2010. Mitsubishi Heavy Industries . live. https://web.archive.org/web/20150720201230/https://www.mhi.co.jp/technology/review/pdf/e471/e471058.pdf. 2015-07-20.
  8. Matsuo. Shinobu. Miki. Yoichiro . Imada. Takane. Nakai. Shunichiro. The Design Characteristics of the HTV Propulsion Module. Fukuoka, Japan . 56th International Astronautical Congress. 17–21 October 2005. 20 June 2019. 10.2514/6.IAC-05-C4.1.03.
  9. Web site: 宇宙ステーション補給機「こうのとり」3号機（HTV3）ミッションプレスキット. ja. June 20, 2012. 2012-06-24. live. https://web.archive.org/web/20121031141116/http://iss.jaxa.jp/htv/mission/htv-3/library/presskit/htv3_presskit.pdf. October 31, 2012.
  10. Web site: HTV Operations. JAXA. 2007. 2011-01-02. live . https://web.archive.org/web/20110126091208/http://iss.jaxa.jp/en/htv/operation/. 2011-01-26.
  11. Web site: http://www.mext.go.jp/b_menu/shingi/gijyutu/gijyutu2/071/shiryo/__icsFiles/afieldfile/2015/05/28/1358152_1.pdf. ja:2016年～2020年のISS共通システム運用経費（次期CSOC）の我が国の負担方法の在り方について. Research and Development Division, Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology. May 20, 2015. June 4, 2015. live. https://web.archive.org/web/20150605155155/http://www.mext.go.jp/b_menu/shingi/gijyutu/gijyutu2/071/shiryo/__icsFiles/afieldfile/2015/05/28/1358152_1.pdf. June 5, 2015.
  12. Launch of the H-IIB Launch Vehicle Test Flight . https://web.archive.org/web/20090711101704/http://www.jaxa.jp/press/2009/07/20090708_h2b_e.html. 11 July 2009. JAXA. 8 July 2009. 20 June 2019.
  13. Web site: International Space Station Flight Schedule. 2015-03-13. SEDS. 15 March 2015. live. https://web.archive.org/web/20150327043053/http://spider.seds.org/shuttle/iss-sche.html. 27 March 2015.
  14. Web site: International Space Station Flight Schedule. SEDS. 15 May 2013. 9 August 2013. live . https://web.archive.org/web/20130714015332/http://spider.seds.org/shuttle/iss-sche.html. 14 July 2013.
  15. Web site: Koichi Wakata, JAXA vice president and astronaut, helps chart future of ISS and human space exploration. 27 July 2018. SpaceNews.
  16. Web site: Japan to develop habitation unit for Gateway lunar station . The Asahi Shimbun . 19 March 2019 . https://web.archive.org/web/20200221152057/http://www.asahi.com/ajw/articles/AJ201903190005.html . 21 February 2020.
  17. Web site: H-II Transfer Vehicle "KOUNOTORI" (HTV) Topics. Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency. live . https://web.archive.org/web/20130822155343/http://www.jaxa.jp/projects/rockets/htv/topics_e.html. 2013-08-22.
  18. Web site: History-making Japanese space mission ends in flames. Stephen Clark. 1 November 2009. 13 November 2010. Spaceflight Now. live. https://web.archive.org/web/20110607103049/http://spaceflightnow.com/h2b/htv1/091101reentry/. 7 June 2011.
  19. Web site: Japan's HTV cargo freighter proves useful to the end. Stephen Clark. 29 March 2011. 21 April 2011. Spaceflight Now. live. https://web.archive.org/web/20110419195421/http://spaceflightnow.com/h2b/htv2/110329entry/. 19 April 2011.
  20. Web site: Japan launches resupply mission to space station. Stephen Clark. 3 August 2013. 3 August 2013 . Spaceflight Now. live. https://web.archive.org/web/20130925172736/http://spaceflightnow.com/h2b/htv2/110329entry/. 25 September 2013.
  21. Web site: Japan's cargo craft makes in-orbit delivery to space station. Stephen Clark. 9 August 2013. 9 August 2013. Spaceflight Now. live. https://web.archive.org/web/20130814111151/http://www.spaceflightnow.com/h2b/htv4/130809arrival/#.UgVTo8u9KK0. 14 August 2013.
  22. Web site: Successful berthing of the H-II Transfer Vehicle KOUNOTORI5 (HTV5) to the International Space Station (ISS). live. https://web.archive.org/web/20161104014317/http://global.jaxa.jp/press/2015/08/20150825_kounotori5.html. 2016-11-04.
  23. Web site: Successful re-entry of H-II Transfer Vehicle "KOUNOTORI5" (HTV5). JAXA. September 30, 2015. September 30, 2015. live. https://web.archive.org/web/20151001175036/http://global.jaxa.jp/press/2015/09/20150930_kounotori5.html. October 1, 2015.
  24. Web site: HTV6:H-II Transfer Vehicle KOUNOTORI (HTV) - International Space Station - JAXA. JAXA. iss.jaxa.jp. 2018-11-26.
  25. Web site: HTV7:H-II Transfer Vehicle KOUNOTORI (HTV) - International Space Station - JAXA. JAXA. iss.jaxa.jp. 2018-11-26.
  26. Web site: 国際宇宙ステーション計画を含む有人計画について. ja. June 3, 2015. July 13, 2015. live. https://web.archive.org/web/20150713084731/http://www8.cao.go.jp/space/comittee/27-kiban/kiban-dai5/siryou2.pdf. July 13, 2015.
  27. Web site: http://www8.cao.go.jp/space/plan/plan2/kaitei_fy27/kaitei_fy27.pdf. ja:宇宙基本計画工程表（平成27年度改訂） . ja. 8 December 2015. Strategic Headquarters for Space Policy. 18 July 2016. live . https://web.archive.org/web/20161020172008/http://www8.cao.go.jp/space/plan/plan2/kaitei_fy27/kaitei_fy27.pdf. 20 October 2016.
  28. Web site: http://www.jaxa.jp/press/2016/07/files/20160714_htv-x_01_j.pdf. ja:ＨＴＶ‐Ｘの開発状況について. ja. 14 July 2016. JAXA. 18 July 2016. live. https://web.archive.org/web/20160715121556/http://www.jaxa.jp/press/2016/07/files/20160714_htv-x_01_j.pdf. 15 July 2016.
  29. Web site: Gebhardt. Chris . Station mission planning reveals new target Commercial Crew launch dates. NASASpaceFlight.com. 20 June 2019. 20 June 2019. The new HTV is known as HTV-X and is now planned to make its inaugural trip to the Station in February 2022..
  30. 1585365132116635648. SciGuySpace. The debut of Japan’s new ISS cargo supply ship, HTV-X, has been delayed from January 2023 to January 2024. It will launch on Japan’s H3 rocket, which also has yet to make its debut.. Eric Berger. Eric Berger (meteorologist). 26 October 2022.
  31. Web site: https://www.mext.go.jp/kaigisiryo/content/0210630-mxt_uchukai01-000016486_5.pdf . Japanese . ja:アルテミス計画に関する各国の開発状況について . JAXA . Ministry of Education, Cultura, Sports and Technology . 30 June 2021 . 9 July 2021.
  32. Web site: 回収機能付加型宇宙ステーション補給機（HTV-R）検討状況. JAXA. ja. August 11, 2010 . September 7, 2011. live. https://web.archive.org/web/20100914081746/http://www.jaxa.jp/press/2010/08/20100811_sac_htv-r_j.html. September 14, 2010.
  33. Web site: 回収機能付加型HTV(HTV-R). ja. JAXA. September 7, 2011. dead . https://web.archive.org/web/20110826205442/http://iss.jaxa.jp/htv-r/. August 26, 2011 .
  34. Web site: Japan Wants Space Plane or Capsule by 2022. Rob Coppinger. Space.com. October 25, 2012. live . https://web.archive.org/web/20151224020505/http://www.space.com/18198-japan-plans-manned-capsule-space-plane.html. December 24, 2015.
  35. Web site: International Human Lunar Mission Architecture / System and its Technologies. PDF. JAXA. 2014-04-10. 22 January 2015. live . https://web.archive.org/web/20150415015209/http://www.nasa.gov/sites/default/files/files/04-Ueno_Lunar_Access_Architecture.pdf. 15 April 2015.
  36. Web site: An International Industry Perspective on Extended Duration Missions Near the Moon . PDF . Lockheed Martin Corporation. 2014-04-10. 22 January 2015. live. https://web.archive.org/web/20150415020947/http://www.nasa.gov/sites/default/files/files/02-Hopkins-Intl-Industry-Perspective.pdf#page=13. 15 April 2015.
  37. Web site: Takane Imada. Michio Ito. Shinichi Takata. June 2008. Preliminary Study for Manned Spacecraft with Escape System and H-IIB Rocket. PDF. 26th ISTS. 2010-12-25.
  38. Web site: Development Plan for Future Mission from HTV System . Sasaki. Hiroshi. Imada. Takane. Takata. Shinichi. JAXA. 2008. 2016-07-19.

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