# Kounotori 9

> cargo resupply spacecraft for the International Space Station

**Wikidata**: [Q22084842](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q22084842)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kounotori_9)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/kounotori-9

## Summary
Kounotori 9 (HTV-9) is a Japanese cargo resupply spacecraft designed to deliver supplies to the International Space Station (ISS). Launched on May 20, 2020, it carried over 6,200 kilograms of pressurized and unpressurized cargo, including scientific experiments, spare parts, and crew supplies. It was the ninth flight of the H-II Transfer Vehicle (HTV) series, following Kounotori 8.

## Key Facts
- **Class**: Part of the H-II Transfer Vehicle (HTV) series, a retired Japanese automated cargo spacecraft.
- **Launch Date**: May 20, 2020, at 17:31 UTC from Yoshinobu Launch Complex Launch Pad 2.
- **Launch Vehicle**: H-IIB rocket (specifically H-IIB-F9).
- **Operator**: Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA).
- **Manufacturer**: Mitsubishi Heavy Industries.
- **Mass**:
  - Takeoff: 16,500 kg
  - Payload: 6,200 kg (4,300 kg pressurized, 1,900 kg unpressurized)
- **Dimensions**: 9.8 meters long, 4.4 meters in diameter.
- **Orbit**: Low Earth orbit with an inclination of 51.66 degrees.
- **Docking**: Berthing at the ISS's Harmony module on May 25, 2020, after a 122,570-minute journey.
- **Deorbit**: Atmospheric entry on August 20, 2020, at 07:07 UTC.
- **Aliases**: HTV-9, HTV9.
- **Predecessor**: Kounotori 8.

## FAQs
### Q: What was the primary purpose of Kounotori 9?
A: Kounotori 9 delivered over 6,200 kg of cargo to the ISS, including scientific experiments, spare parts, and crew supplies. It was part of JAXA's efforts to sustain the ISS with regular resupply missions.

### Q: How long did Kounotori 9 remain docked to the ISS?
A: It was docked for approximately 8 weeks, from May 25 to August 18, 2020, before being unberthed and later deorbited.

### Q: What was unique about Kounotori 9's launch?
A: It was launched using the H-IIB-F9 rocket, a variant of the H-IIB launch system, and marked the ninth flight of the HTV series.

### Q: How did Kounotori 9 differ from its predecessor, Kounotori 8?
A: While both spacecraft were part of the HTV series, Kounotori 9 carried a slightly different payload configuration, including additional scientific experiments and supplies tailored to ISS needs.

### Q: What happened to Kounotori 9 after its mission?
A: After unberthing from the ISS, it conducted an atmospheric reentry on August 20, 2020, at 07:07 UTC, disposing of itself in a controlled manner.

## Why It Matters
Kounotori 9 played a crucial role in maintaining the International Space Station's operational capabilities by delivering essential supplies, scientific equipment, and spare parts. As part of JAXA's HTV program, it ensured the continued research and habitation aboard the ISS. The spacecraft's successful mission highlighted Japan's contributions to global space exploration and the importance of international cooperation in space resupply. Its deorbiting process also demonstrated JAXA's expertise in managing spacecraft end-of-life procedures, ensuring no debris remained in orbit.

## Notable For
- **Payload Capacity**: Carried 6,200 kg of cargo, including 4,300 kg of pressurized and 1,900 kg of unpressurized cargo.
- **Docking Precision**: Successfully berthed at the ISS's Harmony module using the Canadarm2 robotic arm.
- **Scientific Contributions**: Delivered experiments and supplies to support ISS research missions.
- **Deorbiting**: Conducted a controlled atmospheric reentry, ensuring no orbital debris was left behind.
- **HTV Series Legacy**: The ninth and final flight of the HTV series, concluding JAXA's dedicated cargo resupply missions to the ISS.

## Body
### Mission Overview
Kounotori 9, also known as HTV-9, was launched on May 20, 2020, from the Yoshinobu Launch Complex at Tanegashima Space Center in Japan. The spacecraft was carried into orbit by the H-IIB-F9 rocket, a variant of the H-IIB launch system. Weighing 16,500 kg at takeoff, it carried a payload of 6,200 kg, including 4,300 kg of pressurized cargo and 1,900 kg of unpressurized cargo. The spacecraft measured 9.8 meters in length and 4.4 meters in diameter.

### Launch and Orbit
The launch occurred at 17:31 UTC, placing Kounotori 9 into a low Earth orbit with an inclination of 51.66 degrees. The spacecraft's journey to the ISS took approximately 122,570 minutes (about 8 weeks) before it successfully docked at the Harmony module on May 25, 2020.

### Cargo and Payload
Kounotori 9 delivered a diverse range of supplies, including:
- **Scientific Experiments**: Equipment and materials for ongoing research aboard the ISS.
- **Spare Parts**: Components to support station maintenance and upgrades.
- **Crew Supplies**: Food, water, and other necessities for the ISS crew.

### Deorbit and Disposal
After completing its mission, Kounotori 9 was unberthed from the ISS on August 18, 2020. It conducted a controlled atmospheric reentry on August 20, 2020, at 07:07 UTC, ensuring a safe disposal of the spacecraft and preventing any orbital debris.

### Legacy
Kounotori 9 was the ninth and final flight of the HTV series, concluding JAXA's dedicated cargo resupply missions to the ISS. The spacecraft's successful mission underscored Japan's commitment to international space cooperation and the importance of reliable resupply capabilities for long-duration space missions.

## References

1. Jonathan's Space Report