H-IIB Launch Vehicle

The H-IIB Launch Vehicle is the largest new-model rocket in Japan. The Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) and Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Ltd. (MHI) are promoting its joint development with the aim to launch it in FY2009. The main mission of the H-IIB is to launch the H-II Transfer Vehicle (HTV), which has a mass of about 16.5 tons, into an orbit at an altitude of about 300 kilometers in order to transport supplies to the International Space Station (ISS). The H-IIB also is responsible for creating and maintaining Japan's ability for large-scale rocket development to compete on the international stage.

Category:

Science & Technology

Tags:

• launch
• vehicle
• Japan