Japan successfully launched a new cargo ship to the International Space Station.

JAXA successfully launched the HTV-X1 spacecraft using the H3 rocket, affirming Japan's position and ambition in international space missions.

JAXA's H3 rocket carrying the HTV-X1 cargo spacecraft lifted off from Japan's Tanegashima Space Center on Saturday, October 25, 2025. This is a new step forward in spacecraft launch technology that affirms Japan's new position in the space race - Photo: JAXA/NASA

The Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) has successfully launched the HTV-X1 cargo spacecraft using an H3 rocket, marking an important step forward in efforts to maintain and expand Japan's role in international space missions.

On the morning of October 25, the H3 rocket lifted off from the Tanegashima Space Center in Kagoshima Prefecture, carrying the unmanned HTV-X1 supply ship. According to JAXA, the ship separated from the rocket and successfully entered its intended orbit.

If all goes well, HTV-X1 will arrive at the International Space Station (ISS) in the next few days, carrying the necessary cargo and supplies. At the ISS, Japanese astronaut Kimiya Yui will control the robotic arm to "capture" the ship.

HTV-X1 is considered the successor to the Kounotori ("White Stork") series, an unmanned transport spacecraft that made nine successful flights to the ISS between 2009 and 2020.

At 8 meters long, the HTV-X1 is about 1.2 meters shorter than the previous version, but can still carry the same cargo weight, about 6 tons, into low Earth orbit.

Not only is the HTV-X1 more compact and flexible, it is also greatly improved in structure and control technology, helping it operate safely, save fuel and bring higher reusability. In particular, the ship's power supply system has been upgraded, allowing the preservation and transportation of cell samples, laboratory equipment and biomedical supplies at low temperatures, something that the previous Kounotori series was not optimized for.

The HTV-X1's outstanding feature is its ability to carry larger cargo while providing power throughout the journey, allowing the transport of cell samples and laboratory equipment that need to be stored at low temperatures.

HTV-X1 is designed to be attached to the ISS for six months, before separating to carry out its own engineering mission in orbit for another three months.

The H3 rocket is considered the "successor" of the H-2A series, which has been associated with Japan's space program for more than two decades, aiming to reduce launch costs and increase commercial competitiveness in the global space market.

After the failed launch in early 2023, H3 has had 6 consecutive successful launches, affirming the stable capacity of the new rocket line.

According to JAXA, building a stable and efficient commercial launch capability not only serves scientific research but also plays a strategic role in Japan's national security and space industry development.

MINH HAI

Source: https://tuoitre.vn/nhat-ban-phong-thanh-cong-tau-cho-hang-moi-len-tram-vu-tru-quoc-te-20251026101552038.htm