Japan's H-IIB rocket and HTV and the ISS

On September 11th (JST), a new rocket, the H-IIB, will be launched into space by the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA). The H-IIB is a redesigned Japanese rocket meant carry the 16.5 ton HTV, an unmanned transportation vehicle that will be used to re-supply the International Space Station (ISS). The HTV will become of particular importance to the ISS after NASA retires the space shuttle in 2010 or 2011.

The H-IIB, built with two engines and four boosters, will be the most powerful Japanese rocket yet. It is also the biggest, standing at nearly 184 feet and weighing 530 tons. Seven launches, one yearly between 2009 and 2015, are currently scheduled. The cylindrical HTV is approximately 33 feet long and 14.5 feet in diameter. It is said to be capable of carrying 6 tons of food, experiments, and other vital supplies, although the first launch will only have 4.5 tons.

The H-IIB and HTV will be launched into space using multiple stages. Once in space the HTV will perform a variety of flight tests before finally connecting with the ISS about a week later.