The second unit of Japanese heavy lift H2B, launched from Tanegashima Space Center, Kagoshima, on 14:37 local time on January 22. Its payload, Kounotori 2 (Stork), also known as HTV, unmanned space replenish vessel for International Space Station (ISS), was separated normally about 15 minutes after the launch at altitude of 300 kilometers and put into earth orbit. This successful launch is a sequel to September 2009.
HTV was developed by JAXSA, Japanese Space Agency, as Japanese commitment to provide a means of supply materials to ISS. After five days from the launch, HTV will approach to ISS by increasing its altitude and finally will dock to ISS.
HTV, a cylindrical structure with 10 meter length and 4.4 meter diameter, weighs about 16 tons including its payload of experimental devices for Kibo testbed at ISS as well as daily consumables for astronauts including clothing and hygiene supplies such as shampoo. Its total cost of production is about 15 billion yen (about 183 million dollars).
The lift, H2B, is derivative of the original H2A rocket by incorporating two units of H2A engines for larger lift thrust. Unit cost of its launch is also 15 billion yen. Counting together with its original H2A, H2 series has scored 14 successes consecutively and 19 succeful launches in total. The launch was
JAXSA website ; http://www.jaxa.jp/index_e.html
From Nihon Kogyo Shimbun, 26 July 2010
The Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industries (METI) is going to organize a joint business mission with delegates of major private sector players to Latin America in order to sell Japanese satellite products for earth observation as well as communications and broadcasting. The mission will visit Brazil, Argentina and Peru for two weeks starting August 23. Its private sector members include NEC, IHI, Mitsubishi Heavy Industries joined by Fujitsu, Hitachi, Mitsubishi Corporation and JAXA.
Brazil and Argentina have potential market needs of satellite use for forest watching, agricultural management and harvest forecasting. Brazil, in particular, is going to start full-fledged development of radar-equipped satellite for all weather observation where Japanese side can appeal with their expertise.
