H-II Transfer Vehicle (HTV)

The H-II Transfer Vehicle (HTV) is a space cargo spacecraft developed by Japan to supply the International Space Station (ISS). It is designed to automatically transport and deliver supplies—such as food, water, scientific instruments, and equipment—and to remove waste from the station. The HTV is launched on a Japanese H-II rocket, docks autonomously with the ISS, and can carry a large payload. Its reusable design allows it to be loaded, filled, detached, and then de-orbited to burn up safely in Earth’s atmosphere after unloading. The HTV plays a vital role in supporting the station’s crew and experiments.