Japan successfully launches new cargo spacecraft to deliver supplies to International Space Station

Japan’s space agency has successfully launched its most powerful H3 rocket, carrying a new unmanned cargo craft on its first mission to deliver supplies to the International Space Station. The Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency confirmed that the HTV-X1 spacecraft took off from the Tanegashima Space Center and entered the targeted orbit 14 minutes after liftoff. The craft should arrive at the ISS in a few days. The HTV-X is the successor to the H-II transfer vehicle and can carry a larger payload. Sunday’s launch also marked the launch of the most powerful version of the H3 rocket, highlighting Japan’s growing space capabilities.