Friday, September 18, 2009

HTV captured by ISS

HTV in position for capture.

Yesterday the Japanese HTV supply module finally caught up to the ISS orbit for docking. Using the Canadarm 2 to grapple the module went well. The module can carry up to 6 tons of supplies and equipment. It will eventually be loaded with waste and other disposable stuff, and sent into a decaying orbit to burn up in the atmosphere when it re-enters. This definitely brings Japan closer to making a man-rated capsule, which is one of their space goals.

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