An H3 rocket developed by JAXA and Mitsubishi Heavy Industries (MHI) lifted off from the Tanegashima Space Center in Japan to the International Space Station (ISS) on Sunday. The rocket carries the newly developed HTV-X supply spacecraft
“The first use of our components in the H3 rocket is a significant moment for Beyond Gravity.”
Stefan Hofmann, Beyond Gravity
According to JAXA, the Launch Vehicle flew as planned, and approximately 14 minutes and 4 seconds after the liftoff, the separation of HTV-X1 was confirmed. Following its separation from the launch vehicle, communications and attitude control of HTV-X1 were confirmed, and the vehicle is now flying smoothly toward its arrival at the ISS.
HTV-X1 is scheduled to arrive at the ISS on October 30 (JST). Capture by the robotic arm “Canadarm2” on the ISS is planned for around 0:50 a.m. on October 30 (JST), followed by berthing to the ISS on the night of October 30 (JST).
Beyond Gravity is involved in this mission with two products, supplying the rocket nose cone, known as the payload fairing, and the support structure inside the rocket. This ensures that the Japanese spacecraft can be flown into space safely and protected from external influences. A total of five flights of the supply spacecraft are planned, for which Beyond Gravity has been selected as the exclusive supplier of the rocket nose cone. The upcoming flight is the first use of the manufactured payload fairing on the H3 and underscores the close technological collaboration between Beyond Gravity, MHI, and JAXA.
“The first use of our components in the H3 rocket is a significant moment for Beyond Gravity. Our state-of-the-art payload fairing and support structure demonstrate how we are setting new standards in space travel with innovative manufacturing and precision engineering,” said Stefan Hofmann, Head of the Beyond Gravity Launchers Division.
Beyond Gravity is one of only two manufacturers of the H3 rocket nose cone. The company was commissioned exclusively for the HTV-X missions to develop and supply five payload fairings and support structures.
The H3 rocket is the new flagship of Japanese space travel. Developed by JAXA and MHI, it represents a new generation of cost-efficient and powerful launch vehicles. Its goal is to ensure supplies to the ISS and position Japan as a reliable partner in the international space market.
The HTV-X is the first launch of the new Japanese supply spacecraft to the ISS. It offers around 50% more transport capacity than its predecessors and can take on cargo up to 24 hours before launch – a decisive advantage for temperature-sensitive goods. After its main mission, HTV-X will serve as an autonomous platform for further experiments in orbit for up to 18 months.