Japan launches cargo craft for ISS resupply mission

A H-2B rocket carrying cargo craft for the International Space Station (ISS) called "Kounotori No.5" blasts off from the launching pad at Tanegashima Space Center on the Japanese southwestern island of Tanegashima, Kagoshima prefecture, southwestern Japan, in this photo taken by Kyodo August 19, 2015.[Photo/Agencies]

TOKYO - Japan on Wednesday launched an unmanned cargo transfer spacecraft that will deliver supplies to the International Space Station (ISS).

The Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) and Mitsubishi Heavy Industries Ltd. -- Japan's space agency and the commercial operator of H-2B rocket -- launched the H-2 Transfer Vehicle " KOUNOTORI5" (HTV5) aboard the H-2B Launch Vehicle No.5 at 8:50 pm (1150 GMT) on Wednesday from JAXA's Tanegashima Space Center in Japan's southwestern Kagoshima prefecture.

The launch vehicle flew smoothly, and at about 15 minutes after liftoff, the separation of the HTV5 and the rocket was confirmed. The HTV will gradually approach the ISS.

The launch was originally scheduled for Aug. 16 but was delayed due to unfavorable weather conditions.

JAXA astronaut Kimiya Yui, a flight engineer for Expedition 44 and 45 aboard the ISS, has been assigned to manipulate the Space Station Remote Manipulator System (SSRMS) for the operation of capturing Kounotori5. "It is the first time for Japanese astronauts to capture the HTV," said JAXA.

Developed and built in Japan, the HTV5 known as "KOUNOTORI ( white stork)" is an unmanned cargo transfer spacecraft that delivers supplies to the ISS. HTV will deliver not only necessary daily commodities for the crew astronauts, but also experimental devices, samples, spare parts and other necessary research items to the ISS in orbit at an altitude of about 400 km and return with spent equipment, used clothing, and other waste material.

Currently, Japan, the United States, and Russia operate cargo transfers to the ISS. "Among the supply vehicles, KOUNOTORI serves as the backbone of ISS operations with its world-leading supply capacity of approx. 6 metric tons, and is the only space liner capable of delivering large items of hardware," said JAXA.