Japanese Astronaut Uses Robotic Arm to Dock New Supply Craft at Space Station

Oct 30 (News On Japan) - Astronaut Yui Kimiya, currently on a long-term mission aboard the International Space Station (ISS), successfully captured a newly developed supply spacecraft using the station’s robotic arm in the early hours of October 30th.

Applause erupted in the mission control room shortly before 1 a.m. when Yui completed the delicate maneuver, securing the cargo vessel without incident.

The captured craft was the first unit of JAXA’s newly developed HTV-X, designed as a next-generation successor to the previous “Kounotori” cargo ship. By reducing the vehicle’s weight and improving its structure, the new model can transport about six tons of supplies—roughly 1.5 times more than its predecessor.

The HTV-X, carrying experimental equipment, food, and clothing, was launched from the Tanegashima Space Center on October 26th and arrived at the ISS early this morning.

This marks Yui’s second long-duration stay aboard the ISS. During his previous mission in 2015, he also used the robotic arm to capture a Kounotori spacecraft, demonstrating once again Japan’s key role in international space operations.

Source: TBS

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