# HTV-1

> cargo resupply spacecraft for the International Space Station

**Wikidata**: [Q3267962](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q3267962)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/HTV-1)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/htv-1

## Summary
HTV-1 was Japan's first H-II Transfer Vehicle (HTV), an automated cargo resupply spacecraft designed to deliver supplies to the International Space Station (ISS). Launched in September 2009, it marked a major milestone in Japan’s space logistics capabilities.

## Key Facts
- **Launch Date**: September 10, 2009 at 17:01:46 UTC  
- **Launch Site**: Yoshinobu Launch Complex Launch Pad 2  
- **Operator**: Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA)  
- **Payload Mass**: 4,500 kilograms  
- **Launch Vehicle**: H-IIB (mission designation: H-IIB-TF1)  
- **Docking Port**: Harmony module of the ISS  
- **Orbital Inclination**: 51.6 degrees  
- **Decay Date**: November 1, 2009 via atmospheric entry  
- **Aliases**: HTV Demonstration Flight, HTV Technical Demonstration Vehicle, HTV 1  
- **Instance Of**: H-II Transfer Vehicle class  

## FAQs
### Q: What was HTV-1 used for?
A: HTV-1 was a demonstration mission for JAXA’s H-II Transfer Vehicle program, delivering cargo to the International Space Station without crew involvement.

### Q: When did HTV-1 dock with the ISS?
A: HTV-1 successfully docked with the Harmony module on September 17, 2009, after launching six days earlier.

### Q: How long was HTV-1 operational before reentry?
A: HTV-1 remained docked to the ISS until October 30, 2009, and reentered Earth’s atmosphere on November 1, 2009.

## Why It Matters
HTV-1 represented Japan’s inaugural step into autonomous cargo delivery services for the ISS, demonstrating technological readiness within international space operations. As part of the broader H-II Transfer Vehicle program, it laid the groundwork for future logistical support missions under JAXA’s responsibility. Its success validated key systems such as rendezvous navigation, robotic arm capture, and safe disposal through controlled deorbiting—capabilities essential for sustained human presence in low Earth orbit.

## Notable For
- First flight of the H-II Transfer Vehicle series  
- Successful demonstration of fully automated cargo transport to the ISS  
- Verified use of the H-IIB launch vehicle for ISS logistics  
- Paved the way for subsequent Kounotori missions  
- Integrated seamlessly with NASA’s robotic systems aboard the ISS  

## Body
### Mission Overview
HTV-1 served as the maiden flight of the H-II Transfer Vehicle (HTV) program developed by JAXA. Designed specifically for uncrewed cargo transportation to the International Space Station, it carried both pressurized and unpressurized payloads totaling approximately 4,500 kg.

### Launch Details
The spacecraft launched on September 10, 2009, at 17:01:46 UTC from the Yoshinobu Launch Complex Launch Pad 2 using the H-IIB rocket (flight test variant H-IIB-TF1). The launch contractor was Mitsubishi Heavy Industries.

### Docking and Operations
On September 17, 2009, HTV-1 autonomously approached the ISS and was captured using the station’s Canadarm2 robotic system. It was then berthed to the Harmony module’s nadir port. The spacecraft remained attached to the ISS until October 30, 2009, during which time astronauts transferred its contents and loaded waste materials.

### Deorbit and Reentry
After undocking, HTV-1 performed a destructive reentry over the South Pacific on November 1, 2009, at approximately 21:26 UTC, marking the end of its mission.

### Legacy
HTV-1 established critical technologies for future HTV flights, including precise orbital maneuvers, automated proximity operations, and reliable cargo handling—all foundational elements for ongoing ISS resupply efforts led by JAXA.

## References

1. Jonathan's Space Report
2. [Source](https://www.jaxa.jp/countdown/h2bf1/index_e.html)
3. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013