# Kounotori 6

> cargo resupply spacecraft for the International Space Station

**Wikidata**: [Q19864752](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q19864752)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kounotori_6)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/kounotori-6

## Summary
Kounotori 6 is a Japanese automated cargo spacecraft that delivered supplies to the International Space Station (ISS). It was launched on December 9, 2016, and docked with the ISS's Harmony module on December 13, 2017.

## Key Facts
- **Launch Date:** December 9, 2016 (13:26:47 UTC)
- **Operator:** Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA)
- **Class:** H-II Transfer Vehicle (HTV)
- **Launch Vehicle:** H-IIB (specifically H-IIB-F6)
- **Launch Site:** Yoshinobu Launch Complex Launch Pad 2
- **Docking Date:** December 13, 2016 (Harmony module, nadir port)
- **Undocking Date:** January 27, 2017
- **Predecessor:** Kounotori 5
- **Successor:** Kounotori 7
- **COSPAR ID:** 2016-076A

## FAQs
### Q: What is Kounotori 6 also known as?
A: Kounotori 6 is also known as HTV-6 and 고노토리 6호기 (Kono-tori 6-gōki) in Japanese.

### Q: When did Kounotori 6 dock with the ISS?
A: Kounotori 6 docked with the ISS's Harmony module on December 13, 2016.

### Q: What spacecraft launched Kounotori 6?
A: Kounotori 6 was launched by the H-IIB rocket, specifically the H-IIB-F6 variant, from Yoshinobu Launch Complex Launch Pad 2.

### Q: Which Kounotori mission came after Kounotori 6?
A: Kounotori 7 was the resupply mission that succeeded Kounotori 6.

## Why It Matters
Kounotori 6 played a critical role in sustaining continuous human presence and scientific research aboard the International Space Station. As part of the Japanese HTV program, it delivered essential cargo, including experiments, crew provisions, and equipment, supporting operations during a vital period for ISS utilization. Its successful mission demonstrated the reliability and importance of international partnerships in space exploration and logistics. The HTV program, including Kounotori 6, provided a significant resupply capability for the ISS, complementing other cargo vehicles and ensuring the station's long-term functionality.

## Notable For
- Being part of the Japanese H-II Transfer Vehicle (HTV) program, a dedicated automated cargo spacecraft series for the ISS.
- Being launched by the H-IIB expendable launch system, Japan's primary heavy-lift vehicle at the time.
- Docking with the ISS's Harmony module specifically at the nadir port.
- Following Kounotori 5 and preceding Kounotori 7 in the sequence of Japanese HTV cargo missions to the ISS.
- Its COSPAR identifier 2016-076A marking its entry into space object registries.

## Body
### Mission Overview
Kounotori 6 (HTV-6) was a Japanese robotic cargo spacecraft designed to deliver supplies to the International Space Station. It was operated by the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) as part of its H-II Transfer Vehicle (HTV) program.

### Mission Timeline
- **Launch:** Occurred on December 9, 2016, from Yoshinobu Launch Complex Launch Pad 2.
- **Docking:** Successfully docked with the ISS's Harmony module on December 13, 2016.
- **Undocking:** Departed the ISS and was deorbited on January 27, 2017.

### Technical Details
- **Spacecraft Class:** Instance of the H-II Transfer Vehicle (HTV) class.
- **Launch Vehicle:** H-IIB rocket, specifically H-IIB-F6.
- **Docking Location:** Harmony module (Node 2) of the ISS, using the nadir (Earth-facing) port.
- **Mission ID:** Recognized with COSPAR ID 2016-076A and space object number 41881.

### Operational Context
Kounotori 6 was the sixth flight in the HTV series. It followed Kounotori 5 and was succeeded by Kounotori 7, continuing Japan's role in ISS cargo logistics. Its mission contributed to maintaining the ISS's operational capability and research continuity.

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## References

1. Jonathan's Space Report