Overview
HTV-X is JAXA's next-generation cargo transfer vehicle for resupplying the International Space Station. It is the successor to the HTV (H-II Transfer Vehicle), also known as "Kounotori" ("White Stork"), which flew 9 successful missions between 2009 and 2020.
The key upgrade from HTV to HTV-X is autonomous docking capability (HTV required capture by the station's robotic arm). HTV-X also reduces costs through a simplified single-module design and launches on JAXA's new H3 rocket.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | HTV-X | HTV (predecessor) |
|---|---|---|
| Manufacturer | Mitsubishi Heavy Industries | Mitsubishi Heavy Industries |
| Cargo Capacity | ~5,800 kg | 6,200 kg |
| ISS Interface | Autonomous docking (IDA) | Berthed (Canadarm2) |
| Launch Vehicle | H3 | H-IIB |
| Launch Site | Tanegashima Space Centre | Tanegashima Space Centre |
| Return Cargo | None — destructive re-entry | None |
| Status | In development | Retired (9 flights, 2009–2020) |
HTV Legacy
The original HTV/Kounotori series was one of the most reliable ISS cargo vehicles, completing all 9 missions successfully between 2009 and 2020. It was the only cargo vehicle (alongside Cargo Dragon) capable of delivering both pressurised and unpressurised (external) payloads to the station. HTV carried critical ISS hardware including lithium-ion batteries, external experiment platforms and the JAXA Kibo laboratory's exposed facility components.
Future Applications
Beyond ISS resupply, JAXA is designing HTV-X's service module for use in the Gateway lunar space station programme. The HTV-X platform may also serve as a basis for Japan's contribution to international deep-space missions.
Which spacecraft for your mission?
Pick a mission profile and we'll rank the world's crewed and cargo spacecraft by suitability — capability, flight heritage, reusability and fit. A live calculation across our spacecraft catalogue, not a static list.
Anatomy & mission profile
- Cargo (up)5,850 kg
- Pressurised vol30 m³
- Mass16,000 kg
- Launch vehicleH3
- Heat shield—
- LandingDestructive re-entry
Pressurised volume to scale
Approximate pressurised volume — a sense of how roomy each vehicle is for crew or cargo.
HTV-X vs every crew & cargo spacecraft
| Spacecraft | Type | Crew | Cargo kg | Vol m³ | Reuse | Debut | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 🇯🇵 HTV-X you are here | Cargo spacecraft | — | 5,850 | 30 | No | Planned | In development |
| 🇺🇸 Crew Dragon | Crew capsule | 7 | — | 9.3 | ♻︎ Yes | 2020 | Operational |
| 🇺🇸 Cargo Dragon | Cargo spacecraft | — | 6,000 | 9.3 | ♻︎ Yes | 2020 | Operational |
| 🇺🇸 Dragon | Crew + cargo family | 7 | 6,000 | 9.3 | ♻︎ Yes | 2010 | Operational |
| 🇺🇸 Orion | Deep-space crew capsule | 4 | — | 19.6 | No | 2022 | Pre-operational |
| 🇺🇸 Starliner | Crew capsule | 7 | — | 11 | ♻︎ Yes | 2019 | Under review |
| 🇷🇺 Soyuz MS | Crew capsule | 3 | — | 7.5 | No | 1967 | Operational |
| 🇨🇳 Shenzhou | Crew capsule | 3 | — | 7 | No | 2003 | Operational |
| 🇷🇺 Progress | Cargo spacecraft | — | 2,400 | 7.6 | No | 1978 | Operational |
| 🇨🇳 Tianzhou | Cargo spacecraft | — | 6,700 | 18.1 | No | 2017 | Operational |
| 🇺🇸 Cygnus | Cargo spacecraft | — | 3,750 | 27 | No | 2013 | Operational |
| 🇺🇸 Dream Chaser | Cargo spaceplane | — | 5,500 | 16 | ♻︎ Yes | Planned | In development |
| 🇺🇸 Starship HLS | Crewed lunar lander | 4 | 100,000 | 100 | ♻︎ Yes | Planned | In development |
Tap any column to sort · crew = maximum seats, cargo = pressurised + unpressurised upmass · figures are best estimates as of 2026.
Track HTV-X across Orbital Radar
Frequently Asked Questions
HTV-X is in development for launch on the H3 rocket. Check the launch schedule for current target dates.
The original HTV flew 9 successful ISS resupply missions from 2009 to 2020 before being retired. HTV-X is its upgraded successor.
Yes — unlike the original HTV (which required robotic arm capture), HTV-X docks autonomously using NASA's International Docking Adapter, similar to Crew Dragon.