Japan launches 'biggest cargo spaceship' to replenish supplies at ISS

Facilitating in replenishing essential supplies at International station (ISS), Japan's Mitsubishi Heavy Industries (MHI), on Wednesday, launched its cargo vessel Koutori8 to ISS from Japan Aero Exploration ncy's Tanegashima Center, according to company's press release. Koutori8 is claimed to be ' world's biggest transport ship' by Japan's ncy JAXA. cargo vessel was launched using an H-IIB rocket at 1:05 AM (local time) from Tanegashima island in Japan, according to a press release. It stated that launch was previously scheduled on September 10.

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Japan launches world's biggest transport ship to ISS

launch was completed successfully and as planned, paylo separated from launch vehicle, about 15 minutes later, stated MHI. unpiloted cargo ship carried more than 4 tons of supplies, batteries, and a proto laser-communications system, according to reports. MHI is reportedly prime contractor for Japanese H-IIB rocket. launch was successful in its first liftoff attempt itself - a month after its delay due to a fire in launchp.

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Sept 10 initial launch cancelled

According to international reports, earlier launch on September 11 was cancelled after a fire broke out on launch platform a few hours before launch. Reports quote MHI saying that fire h likely occurred due to static electricity generated when liquid oxygen from rocket came into contact with heat-resistant material on launchp. MHI h reportedly stated that material has w been covered with aluminum sheets to prevent a recurrence. MHI ded that on scheduled launch day, re were unusually low winds at Tanegashima, which complicated launch. 

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NASA assures sufficient supply

Following scrapping of cargo vessel's launch on September 10, NASA h issued a statement reassuring that station crew remained well-supplied inspite of delay. While NASA stated its confidence, successful launch of cargo vessel does spell relief to ISS. Three ditional astronauts -  Russian cosmonaut Oleg Skripochka, NASA astronaut Jessica Meir and Hazza Al Mansouri of United Arab Emirates are set soon join ISS crew. replenished stock and batteries will aid expanded crew soon.

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