H-ⅡB in 3 minutes
"KIBO" and KOUNOTORI, the key to manned space exploration
2019 is the 10th anniversary of the completion of the Japanese experimental module "KIBO" at the International Space Station (ISS) and the launch of the first transfer vehicle "KOUNOTORI".
The ISS is composed of several modules (experiment area), the Japanese module KIBO is the largest experimental facility on the ISS. It is also used for deploying small satellites, experiments under zero gravity (microgravity).
*The original meaning of "KOUNOTORI" is the name of an endangered bird inhabiting Japan.
*"KIBO" is meaning of "Hope" in Japanese.
"KOUNOTORI" is a transfer vehicle for transporting payloads to the ISS. Up to 6 tons of payloads can be transported, and garbage that are no longer needed in the ISS can be loaded and returned to the earth, where they can be disposed of with the heat of re-entry into the atmosphere.
It is the lifeline of astronauts and required a high level of safety, it has been supported by the technology and know-how developed in the past missions.
On September 25, 2019, the HⅡ-B launch vehicle loaded the KOUNOTORI 8(HTV8) was launched after overcoming the incident of a launcher pad fire.
H-ⅡB launch vehicle ~Embodiment of Japanese technology~
The H-ⅡB launch vehicle is a rocket jointly developed by JAXA and Mitsubishi Heavy Industries(MHI), Japanese famous machine manufacturer.
Since JAXA does not have a factory, MHI is responsible for developing / manufacturing and launching.
The main mission is transfering "KOUNOTORI". H-ⅡB is equipped with two-stage booster, a liquid engine and four side boosters with a solid engine.
The history of Japan's domestic launch vehicle production history is shown in the 1969 US-JAPAN SPACE AGREEMENT.
The H-ⅡB has been launched eight times so far, all successfully.
The development cost is 27.1 billion JPY and the launch cost is 11.8~14.7 billion JPY.
H3~Affordable, flexible and safe~
JAXA, MHI and a number of private companies are developing a new launch vehicle "H3" that it can be transferred to the orbit more speedy, affordable and safely. t seems that a prototype will be launched in 2020.
In recent years, with the acceleration of the satellite data business, no matter how excellent satellites are made, there is no point without launch means.
It is necessary to launch more affordable, more secure, and be flexible.
The H3 will realize these needs and expected to be a new "Hope" to support manned exploration.
Comic "Japan as No.1"
The comic above is created by @_Pkrin, who belongs to the online salon "Anman Salon" managed by @wakanjyu321, Japanese genius / beautiful manga artist. Grateful thanks!
Click here for "Anman Salon" which can deal with the mission of space law and rocket girls project.
I think the appeal of H-ⅡB is that it take on a role of vital transfer mission for manned space exploration and is the fundamental for international cooperation.
The above manga was created in honor of the many engineers involved in manufacturing while expressing the high success rate as an "Honor student".
Currently, there are no laws in Japan that allow manned launches. In addition, the environment for manned launches and the accumulation of know-how are also issues.
However, there are engineers working day and night to develop humans into space even in the current environment.
Japan is no longer No.1 in the manufacturing industry as it used to be.
However, Japan can lead the world in the space industry, as shown by the favorable environment close to the equator and the sea on the east side, the technology and know-how accumulated in previous transfer missions, and the historical achievements of Hayabusa and Hayabusa2 mission.
Whether or not Japan as No.1 can be regained may depend on Japanese space technology.
Reference:
・ JAXA website "Space Station transfer vehicle" KOUNOTORI "(HTV)"
http://www.jaxa.jp/projects/rockets/htv/index_j.html
・ JAXA website "Japanese Experiment Module KIBO / International Space Station (ISS)"
http://www.jaxa.jp/projects/iss_human/kibo/
・ JAXA website "H-IIB Launch Vehicle"
http://www.jaxa.jp/projects/rockets/h2b/index_j.html
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