11 Sep 2009

Space freighter launched by Japan

1:54 pm on 11 September 2009

Japan has successfully launched a new space freighter on its maiden voyage.

The 16.5-tonne unmanned H-II Transfer Vehicle is on a mission to re-supply the international space station.

The BBC reports its role is vitally important to the station project, which will lose the servicing capability of the US shuttle fleet next year.

The freighter left Earth atop an H-IIB rocket at 0201 local time on Friday (1701 GMT, Thursday). Separation from the rocket's upper-stage was confirmed 15 minutes later.

The HTV mission is being directed by engineers in Tsukuba, Japan, and at the US space agency's mission control in Houston.

The vehicle has to conduct a number of tests of its navigation and rendezvous systems before making a close approach to the International Space Station.

Docking is not expected to take place until at least day eight of the mission.

The freighter is carrying about 4.5 tonnes of cargo on this maiden flight. It has the capacity to carry six tonnes.