Successful Launch of H3 Rocket No. 7
Overview
On October 26, 2025, H3 Rocket No. 7 was successfully launched, and the new-generation space station resupply vehicle No. 1 (HTV-X1) was inserted into its designated orbit. Since Test Flight No. 2 in February last year, the H3 rocket has achieved five consecutive successful launches. HTV-X1 will take over the resupply of the International Space Station (ISS) from the space station resupply vehicle Kounotori and transport technology demonstration equipment, fresh food, and other items.
Key points
- The launch of H3 Rocket No. 7 and the insertion of HTV-X1 into its designated orbit succeeded.
- The H3 rocket has achieved five consecutive successful launches.
- HTV-X1 will take over resupply to the ISS from Kounotori.
Overview
On October 26, 2025, the successful launch of H3 Rocket No. 7 and the insertion of its onboard new-generation space station resupply vehicle No. 1 (HTV-X1) into its designated orbit were confirmed.
Since Test Flight No. 2 in February last year, the H3 rocket has achieved five consecutive successful launches, steadily building its launch record.
Impact
HTV-X1 will take over the role of delivering supplies to the International Space Station (ISS) from the space station resupply vehicle Kounotori, which achieved nine successful launches in total.
The Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology stated its policy of strengthening Japan's independence in space activities, technological capabilities, industrial development, and international competitiveness through the continued operation of the H3 rocket.
Details
HTV-X1 will deliver to the ISS technology demonstration equipment intended to support future human space exploration, as well as fresh food and other items. After departing from the ISS, it is expected to conduct technology demonstration missions in orbit, and it is hoped that these missions will lead to the development of new technologies and their application in society.
The Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology will accumulate and mature technologies for the continued operation of the H3 rocket and steadily build its record of achievement. Through these efforts, it will continue promoting the development and use of space.