Article Posted on : - Dec 07, 2010

The H-IIB launch vehicle at the launch pad. A JAXA photo

TOKYO (BNS): Japanese space agency JAXA is preparing to conduct a cryogenic test of its space launch vehicle H-IIB which is set to send an unmanned cargo supply vehicle to the International Space Station (ISS) early next year.

The cryogenic test will be held on December 16 as part of the preparations to launch the HTV2 unmanned spacecraft, also named ‘KOUNOTORI2’, to the ISS next year.

The test will confirm the functions of H-IIB Launch Vehicle No. 2 (H-IIB F2) and ground facilities by actually loading propellants onto it in the same manner as on the launch day, JAXA said.

The H-IIB F2 rocket is scheduled to launch the KOUNOTORI2 at 3.29 pm JST (06.29 am GMT) on January 20, 2011.

The spacecraft will deliver up to six tons of supplies, including food, clothes and other scientific equipment to the ISS in orbit at an altitude of about 400 kilometers and return with spent equipment, used clothing, and other waste material from there.