Japan Successfully Launches New H3 Rocket with Cargo Craft to ISS

Japan’s space agency JAXA has successfully launched its new H3 rocket carrying the HTV-X1 unmanned cargo spacecraft to the International Space Station (ISS). The rocket took off from Tanegashima Space Center in southern Japan. This marks a major success for Japan’s next-generation space program, designed to be more powerful, efficient, and cost-effective.

JAXA’s H3 Rocket Sends HTV-X1 to International Space Station

Key Points

• Japan’s new H3 rocket successfully launched the HTV-X1 cargo spacecraft to the ISS.
• The launch took place from Tanegashima Space Center in southern Japan.
• The spacecraft was placed into its planned orbit and is expected to arrive at the ISS in a few days.
• Astronaut Kimiya Yui, currently aboard the ISS, will capture the spacecraft using a robotic arm.
• HTV-X1 replaces the older H-II Transfer Vehicle (Kounotori), which flew nine missions between 2009 and 2020.
• The new cargo craft can carry more payload and supply power during flight for sensitive lab materials.
• It can stay docked to the ISS for up to six months, deliver supplies, collect waste, and continue orbital missions for three months after departure.
• The H3 rocket replaces Japan’s old H-2A rocket, offering lower cost and higher reliability.
• So far, the H3 rocket has completed six successful flights after a failed debut in 2023.
• The mission strengthens Japan’s commercial space competitiveness and national security goals.

Question & Answer

Q1. What is the name of Japan’s new rocket launched to the ISS?
(a) H-2A
(b) H3
(c) HTV-X
(d) Kounotori
Answer: H3

Q2. From where was the H3 rocket launched?
(a) Kennedy Space Center
(b) Tanegashima Space Center
(c) Baikonur Cosmodrome
(d) Beijing Spaceport
Answer: Tanegashima Space Center

Q3. What is the name of the cargo spacecraft carried by the H3 rocket?
(a) HTV-X1
(b) Kounotori-10
(c) Dragon-X
(d) Soyuz-X
Answer: HTV-X1

Q4. Who will capture the cargo craft at the ISS?
(a) Koichi Wakata
(b) Kimiya Yui
(c) Akihiko Hoshide
(d) Norishige Kanai
Answer: Kimiya Yui

Q5. How long can the HTV-X1 stay connected to the ISS?
(a) 3 months
(b) 6 months
(c) 9 months
(d) 12 months
Answer: 6 months

Q6. What did the H3 rocket replace?
(a) H-2A rocket
(b) GSLV rocket
(c) Falcon 9 rocket
(d) Proton-M rocket
Answer: H-2A rocket

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