The Japanese space freighter H-II transfer vehicle (HTV) has returned to earth after successfully undocking from the International Space Station (ISS).

The unmanned spacecraft delivered supplies and instruments weighing up to 6,000kg to the space station.

The HTV, along with Russia’s Progress spacecraft, the US Space Shuttle and the automated transfer vehicle (ATV), will be utilised for delivering cargo to the ISS.

HTV is the only unmanned vehicle among the other cargo-carrying spacecraft that can carry both pressurised and unpressurised cargo.

The demonstration flight vehicle returned with 1.6t of trash, according to the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency.

The vehicle was unberthed from the station with the aid of ISS’s Canandarm2, a robotic arm that grappled the 16.5t cargo ship and released it away from the station.

How well do you really know your competitors?

Access the most comprehensive Company Profiles on the market, powered by GlobalData. Save hours of research. Gain competitive edge.

Company Profile – free sample

Thank you!

Your download email will arrive shortly

Not ready to buy yet? Download a free sample

We are confident about the unique quality of our Company Profiles. However, we want you to make the most beneficial decision for your business, so we offer a free sample that you can download by submitting the below form

By GlobalData
Visit our Privacy Policy for more information about our services, how we may use, process and share your personal data, including information of your rights in respect of your personal data and how you can unsubscribe from future marketing communications. Our services are intended for corporate subscribers and you warrant that the email address submitted is your corporate email address.

The Japanese spacecraft was launched into space in September 2009.