# HTV-X3

> planned cargo resupply spacecraft for the International Space Station

**Wikidata**: [Q136716691](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q136716691)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/HTV-X3)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/htv-x3

## Summary
HTV-X3 is a planned Japanese cargo resupply spacecraft designed to deliver essential supplies, equipment, and scientific experiments to the International Space Station (ISS). It is an upgraded version of the H-II Transfer Vehicle (HTV) and is developed by the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) in collaboration with Mitsubishi Heavy Industries and Mitsubishi Electric.

## Key Facts
- **Class**: Cargo spacecraft (robotic spacecraft designed for resupply missions)
- **Operator**: Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA)
- **Launch Vehicle**: H3 Launch Vehicle
- **Mass**: 16,000 kg (launch weight)
- **Height**: 8.0 meters
- **Diameter**: 4.4 meters
- **Payload Capacity**: 4,070 kg (pressurized cargo) and 1,750 kg (unpressurized cargo)
- **Power Source**: Spacecraft solar array with a capacity of 3,000 watts
- **Orbit**: Low Earth orbit
- **Service Entry**: October 26, 2025
- **Replaces**: H-II Transfer Vehicle (HTV)
- **Manufacturer**: Mitsubishi Heavy Industries (prime contractor), Mitsubishi Electric (service module)
- **Aliases**: New Space-Station Resupply Vehicle
- **Country of Origin**: Japan
- **Wikipedia Title**: HTV-X3
- **Significant Event**: Rocket launch, no earlier than 2026

## FAQs
### What is the HTV-X3 used for?
HTV-X3 is an automated cargo spacecraft designed to resupply the International Space Station (ISS) with supplies, equipment, and scientific experiments. It supports long-duration human spaceflight missions and plays a key role in JAXA's ongoing contributions to the ISS program.

### How does HTV-X3 differ from its predecessor, HTV?
HTV-X3 is an upgraded version of the H-II Transfer Vehicle (HTV) with enhanced capabilities, including increased payload capacity and improved performance. It features a larger pressurized cabin volume of 39 cubic meters and can carry more cargo than its predecessor.

### Who operates the HTV-X3?
The HTV-X3 is operated by the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA), Japan's national aerospace agency responsible for space exploration and research. JAXA collaborates with Mitsubishi Heavy Industries and Mitsubishi Electric for its development and manufacturing.

### What is the launch vehicle for HTV-X3?
HTV-X3 is launched using the H3 Launch Vehicle, a Japanese expendable launch system developed to support future space missions. The H3 Launch Vehicle is designed to carry out reliable and efficient cargo delivery to low Earth orbit.

### When will the HTV-X3 be in service?
HTV-X3 is scheduled to enter service on October 26, 2025. It will begin operational missions to resupply the International Space Station (ISS) with essential cargo and equipment.

## Why It Matters
HTV-X3 plays a critical role in supporting the International Space Station (ISS) by delivering essential supplies, equipment, and scientific experiments to astronauts. As an upgraded version of the H-II Transfer Vehicle (HTV), it enhances Japan's contributions to international space cooperation and enables continued scientific research in microgravity. Its advanced capabilities and increased payload capacity make it a vital asset for future space missions, including potential lunar and Martian exploration efforts. By facilitating resupply missions, HTV-X3 supports long-duration human presence in space, enabling breakthroughs in astronomy, biology, and other scientific disciplines.

## Notable For
- **Upgraded Payload Capacity**: HTV-X3 can carry 4,070 kg of pressurized cargo and 1,750 kg of unpressurized cargo, surpassing the capabilities of its predecessor.
- **Advanced Power System**: Equipped with a spacecraft solar array providing 3,000 watts of power, ensuring reliable operation during missions.
- **Innovative Design**: Features a pressurized cabin with a volume of 39 cubic meters, optimized for accommodating a variety of cargo and equipment.
- **Support for Future Missions**: Designed to support long-duration human spaceflight missions, including potential future lunar and Martian exploration efforts.
- **Japanese Space Leadership**: Represents Japan's continued commitment to space exploration and international collaboration through JAXA's contributions to the ISS program.

## Body
### Overview
HTV-X3 is a Japanese automated cargo spacecraft developed by the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) to resupply the International Space Station (ISS). It is an upgraded version of the H-II Transfer Vehicle (HTV), featuring improved capabilities and increased payload capacity. The spacecraft is designed to deliver essential supplies, equipment, and scientific experiments to astronauts aboard the ISS, supporting long-duration human spaceflight missions.

### Design and Specifications
HTV-X3 has a launch mass of 16,000 kg and measures 8.0 meters in height with a diameter of 4.4 meters. It is powered by a spacecraft solar array capable of generating 3,000 watts of power, ensuring reliable operation during missions. The spacecraft's pressurized cabin has a volume of 39 cubic meters, providing ample space for cargo and equipment. HTV-X3 can carry 4,070 kg of pressurized cargo and 1,750 kg of unpressurized cargo, surpassing the payload capacity of its predecessor.

### Mission and Operations
HTV-X3 is launched using the H3 Launch Vehicle, a Japanese expendable launch system developed to support future space missions. The spacecraft operates in low Earth orbit and is designed to dock with the ISS, delivering cargo and supplies to the orbiting laboratory. HTV-X3 is scheduled to enter service on October 26, 2025, marking the beginning of its operational missions to resupply the ISS.

### Manufacturer and Development
HTV-X3 is developed and manufactured by Mitsubishi Heavy Industries (prime contractor) and Mitsubishi Electric (service module). The spacecraft is a product of collaboration between JAXA and Japanese industrial partners, with the prime contractor responsible for the overall design and the service module developed by Mitsubishi Electric.

### Country of Origin and Operator
HTV-X3 is a Japanese spacecraft developed by the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA). JAXA is the national aerospace agency of Japan, responsible for space exploration and research. The country of origin is Japan, and the operator is JAXA.

### Service Entry and Future Missions
HTV-X3 is scheduled to enter service on October 26, 2025, marking the beginning of its operational missions to resupply the ISS. The spacecraft is designed to support long-duration human spaceflight missions, including potential future lunar and Martian exploration efforts.

### Significance and Impact
HTV-X3 plays a crucial role in supporting the ISS and advancing scientific research in microgravity. Its advanced capabilities and increased payload capacity make it a vital asset for future space missions, including potential future lunar and Martian exploration efforts. HTV-X3 represents Japan's continued commitment to space exploration and international collaboration through JAXA's contributions to the ISS program. By facilitating resupply missions, HTV-X3 supports long-duration human presence in space, enabling breakthroughs in astronomy, biology, and other scientific disciplines.

## References

1. [Source](https://space.skyrocket.de/doc_sdat/htv-x.htm)
2. [Source](https://www.mhi.com/technology/review/sites/g/files/jwhtju2326/files/tr/pdf/e584/e584060.pdf)
3. [Source](https://www.mext.go.jp/kaigisiryo/content/20210209-mxt_uchukai01-000012703_10.pdf)
4. [Source](https://humans-in-space.jaxa.jp/en/htv-x/specifications/)