Japan Back In LEO Cargo Transportation Business

Irene Klotz October 26, 2025
JAXA launches the HII Transfer Vehicle-X (HTV-X)

The HII Transfer Vehicle-X (HTV-X) lifted off aboard a Mitsubishi Heavy Industries’ H3 Launch Vehicle from JAXA’s Tanegashima Space Center at 9 a.m. Oct. 26 local time (8 p.m. Oct. 25 EDT). 

Credit: JAXA
After a 5 1/2-year hiatus, the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) has resumed cargo deliveries to the International Space Station (ISS), with an eye toward servicing other destinations and customers in Earth orbit and beyond. The HII Transfer Vehicle-X (HTV-X) is an upgraded version of the...
Irene Klotz

Irene Klotz is Senior Space Editor for Aviation Week, based in Cape Canaveral. Before joining Aviation Week in 2017, Irene spent 25 years as a wire service reporter covering human and robotic spaceflight, commercial space, astronomy, science and technology for Reuters and United Press International.

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