View source for Engineering:Kounotori 6

{{short description|Sixth flight of the H-II Transfer Vehicle}}
{{Infobox spaceflight
| name               = Kounotori 6
| image              = HTV-6 grappled by the International Space Station's robotic arm (2).jpg
| image_caption      = The [[Engineering:Mobile Servicing System|SSRMS]] (Canadarm2) grapples ''Kounotori 6''<br/>spacecraft, prior to berthing on 13 December 2016.

| mission_type       = [[Astronomy:International Space Station|ISS]] resupply
| operator           = [[Organization:JAXA|JAXA]]
| COSPAR_ID          = 2016-076A
| SATCAT             = 41881
| mission_duration   = 58 days

| spacecraft         = Kounotori 6
| spacecraft_type    = [[Engineering:H-II Transfer Vehicle|HTV]]
| manufacturer       = [[Company:Mitsubishi Heavy Industries|Mitsubishi Heavy Industries]]

| launch_mass        = 16400 kg
| dry_mass           = 10500 kg
| payload_mass       = 5900 kg
| dimensions         = 9.8 metre of long,<br/>4.4 metre of diameter
| power              = 

| launch_date        = 9 December 2016, 13:26:47 [[Physics:Coordinated Universal Time|UTC]]
| launch_rocket      = [[Engineering:H-IIB|H-IIB]] No. 6
| launch_site        = Tanegashima, Yoshinobu 2
| launch_contractor  = [[Company:Mitsubishi Heavy Industries|Mitsubishi Heavy Industries]]

| disposal_type      = deorbited
| decay_date         = 5 February 2017, 15:06 UTC

| orbit_reference    = [[Astronomy:Geocentric orbit|Geocentric orbit]]
| orbit_regime       = [[Astronomy:Low Earth orbit|Low Earth orbit]]
| orbit_inclination  = 51.66°
| apsis              = gee

| docking = 
 {{Infobox spaceflight/Dock
   | docking_target  = [[Astronomy:International Space Station|ISS]]
   | docking_type    = berth
   | docking_port    = Harmony
   | capture_date    = 13 December 2016, 10:37 UTC
   | docking_date    = 13 December 2016, 13:57 UTC

   | undocking_date  = 27 January 2017, 10:59 UTC
   | release_date    = 27 January 2017, 15:45 UTC
   | time_docked     = 
 }}

| cargo_mass         = 5900 kg
| cargo_mass_press   = 4000 kg
| cargo_mass_unpress = 1900 kg
| cargo_mass_fuel    = 
| cargo_mass_gas     = 
| cargo_mass_water   = 

| insignia           = 
| insignia_caption   = 
| insignia_alt       = 
| insignia_size      = 

| programme          = '''[[Engineering:H-II Transfer Vehicle#Flights|HTV ISS Resupply]]'''
| previous_mission   = [[Engineering:Kounotori 5|Kounotori 5]]
| next_mission       = [[Engineering:Kounotori 7|Kounotori 7]]
}}

{{Nihongo|'''Kounotori 6'''|こうのとり6号機}}, also known as '''HTV-6''', is the sixth flight of the [[Engineering:H-II Transfer Vehicle|H-II Transfer Vehicle]], an uncrewed cargo spacecraft launched to resupply the [[Astronomy:International Space Station|International Space Station]]. It was launched at 13:26:47 UTC on 9 December 2016 aboard [[Engineering:H-IIB|H-IIB]] launch vehicle from Tanegashima Space Center.

== Spacecraft ==
Major changes from previous Kounotori include:<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.mext.go.jp/b_menu/shingi/gijyutu/gijyutu2/060/shiryo/__icsFiles/afieldfile/2016/07/08/1374186_2.pdf|script-title=ja:宇宙ステーション補給機「こうのとり」6号機（ＨＴＶ6）の概要（その2)|language=Japanese|publisher=JAXA|website=宇宙開発利用部会 調査・安全小委員会（第19回）配付資料|date=1 July 2016|access-date=10 July 2016}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.mext.go.jp/b_menu/shingi/gijyutu/gijyutu2/060/shiryo/__icsFiles/afieldfile/2016/07/08/1374186_3.pdf|script-title=ja:宇宙ステーション補給機「こうのとり」6号機（HTV6）の接近・係留・離脱フェーズに係る安全検証結果について|language=Japanese|publisher=JAXA|website=宇宙開発利用部会 調査・安全小委員会（第19回）配付資料|date=1 July 2016|access-date=10 July 2016}}</ref>

* Built-in payloads to demonstrate new technologies: SFINKS and KITE, described below.
* Reduction of primary batteries to 6 from the previous 7.
* Reduction of solar cell panels to 48 from previous 49.
* Omission of some of navigation/position lights which were Earth-side when approaching to ISS.
* Strengthened EP (Exposed Pallet) maximum payload to 1900 kg from the previous 1600 kg to carry [[Engineering:Lithium-ion battery|Lithium-ion batteries]].

SFINKS (Solar Cell Film Array Sheet for Next Generation on Kounotori Six) will test thin film solar cells in space.<ref name=jaxaard>{{cite web|url=http://www.ard.jaxa.jp/research_fy27/dengen/den-sub4_2.html|title=研究成果（より詳細な研究内容）|publisher=JAXA Research and Development Directorate|language=Japanese|access-date=2016-07-07}}</ref>

=== Kounotori Integrated Tether Experiment ===
KITE (Kounotori Integrated Tether Experiment) was an experimental [[Physics:Electrodynamic tether|electrodynamic tether]] (EDT).<ref name=jaxapressmaterial>{{cite web|url=http://www.jaxa.jp/press/2013/09/20130904_htv_j.pdf|title=HTV搭載導電性テザー実証実験の検討状況について|publisher=JAXA|language=Japanese|date=2013-09-04|access-date=26 December 2014}}</ref><ref name=responsearticle>{{cite web |url=http://response.jp/article/2013/09/09/205929.html|title=JAXA、宇宙ゴミ除去技術の確立に向け「こうのとり」利用|publisher=Response staff|language=Japanese|date=2013-09-09|access-date=21 March 2015}}</ref> The tether was equipped with a 20 kg end-mass, and would have been 700 m long when deployed.<ref name=jaxapressmaterial/><ref>{{cite web|title=Japan tests innovative magnetic tether for slowing space junk |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-38265676|work=BBC News|access-date=25 January 2017|date=9 December 2016}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=HTV-KITE Experiment – HTV-6 {{!}} Spaceflight101|url=http://spaceflight101.com/htv-6/htv-kite-experiment/|website=spaceflight101.com|access-date=26 January 2017}}</ref> A maximum current of 10 mA was planned to run through the tether.<ref name=jaxapressmaterial/> Kounotori's ISS rendezvous sensor would have been utilized to measure how the end-mass moves during the test.<ref name=jaxapressmaterial/> The EDT experiment was scheduled following Kounotori 6's departure from the ISS, with a planned duration of one week.<ref name=jaxapressmaterial/> After the experiment, the tether would have been separated before the [[Engineering:Spacecraft|spacecraft]] proceeds with the de-orbit maneuvers. The main objective of this experiment were the orbital demonstration of both extending an uncoated [[Physics:Electrodynamic tether#Bare conductive tethers|bare-tether]], and driving electric currents through the EDT.<ref name=responsearticle/> These two technologies will contribute to gaining capabilities to remove [[Astronomy:Space debris|space debris]].<ref name=responsearticle/><ref>{{cite web|title=Japan launching 'space junk' collector (Update)|url=https://phys.org/news/2016-12-japan-space-junk-collector.html|access-date=24 January 2017}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Japan launches 'space junk' collector |url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/home/science/Japan-launches-space-junk-collector/articleshow/55904909.cms|work=The Times of India|access-date=24 January 2017}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Japanese spacecraft will test space junk collector on its way to the ISS – ExtremeTech|url=https://www.extremetech.com/extreme/241016-japanese-spacecraft-will-test-space-junk-collector-way-iss|publisher=ExtremeTech|access-date=25 January 2017|date=14 December 2016}}</ref>

== Cargo ==
Kounotori 6 carries about 5900 kg of cargo (including the support structure weight), consisting of 3900 kg in PLC (Pressurized Logistics Carrier) and 1900 kg in ULC (Unpressurized Logistics Carrier).<ref name="jaxa20161124"/>

Cargo in the pressurized compartment includes 30 bags filled with potable water (600 liters),<ref name=jaxa20160603>{{cite web|url=http://iss.jaxa.jp/topics/2016/06/htv6_160602.html|script-title=ja:「こうのとり」6号機へのISSバッテリ搭載作業、水充填装置のプレス公開|language=Japanese|publisher=JAXA|date=June 3, 2016|access-date=June 3, 2016}}</ref><ref name=nvs20160601>{{cite AV media|script-title=ja:国際宇宙ステーション用バッテリ・飲料水充填装置説明会|language=Japanese|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Muq27WOh7u4|publisher=NVS|date=June 1, 2016|access-date=June 3, 2016}}</ref> food, crew commodities, CDRA Bed (Carbon Dioxide Removal Assembly), TPF (Two-Phase Flow) experiment unit, PS-TEPC (Position-Sensitive Tissue Equivalent Proportional Chamber) radiation measurement instrument, ExHAM (Exposed Experiment Handrail Attachment Mechanism), HDTV-EF2 high-definition and 4K camera, new J-SSOD (JEM Small Satellite Orbital Deployer), and [[Engineering:CubeSat|CubeSat]]s (AOBA-Velox III, TuPOD which comprises two TubeSats ([[Engineering:Tancredo-1|Tancredo-1]] and OSNSAT), EGG, ITF-2, STARS-C, FREEDOM, WASEDA-SAT3).<ref name="jaxa20161107">{{cite web|url=http://iss.jaxa.jp/kiboexp/news/161107_cubesats_unveiled.html|script-title=ja:「こうのとり」6号機に搭載する超小型衛星7基を公開しました|language=Japanese|publisher=JAXA|date=November 7, 2016 |access-date=November 8, 2016}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.gaussteam.com/tupod-almost-ready-for-launch/|title=TuPOD almost ready for launch|publisher=Group of Aerodynamics for the Use of Space Systems|date=July 27, 2016|access-date=November 8, 2016}}</ref><ref name="jaxa20161124"/> Cargo by [[Company:NanoRacks|NanoRacks]] includes TechEdSat-5,<ref>{{cite web |url=https://twitter.com/NanoRacks/status/807200792738496512|title=NanoRacks|date=9 December 2016|access-date=11 December 2016}}</ref> CubeRider,<ref>{{cite web |url=https://twitter.com/NanoRacks/status/807205727572029440|title=NanoRacks|date=9 December 2016|access-date=11 December 2016}}</ref> RTcMISS,<ref>{{cite web |url=https://twitter.com/NanoRacks/status/807208500640284672|title=NanoRacks|date=9 December 2016|access-date=11 December 2016}}</ref> NREP-P DM7,<ref>{{cite web |url=https://twitter.com/NanoRacks/status/807212048987914240|title=NanoRacks|date=9 December 2016|access-date=11 December 2016}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/station/research/experiments/2173.html|title=NanoRacks-DM (NanoRacks-DM) – 11.23.16|publisher=NASA|access-date=11 December 2016}} {{PD-notice}}</ref> four Lemur-2.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://twitter.com/NanoRacks/status/807280763481849856|title=NanoRacks|date=10 December 2016|access-date=11 December 2016}}</ref> Additionally, the Blue SPHERES satellite of the MIT Space Systems Laboratory is being returned to the ISS for continued autonomous systems research.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.nasa.gov/content/spheres-blue-satellite-repair-complete|title=SPHERES Blue Satellite Repair Complete|publisher=NASA Ames Research Center|date=October 6, 2016|access-date=6 April 2020}} {{PD-notice}}</ref>

Cargo in the unpressurized compartment consists of six [[Engineering:Lithium-ion battery|lithium-ion batteries]] and their associated adapter plates to replace [[Engineering:Electrical system of the International Space Station#Batteries|existing nickel-hydrogen batteries]] of the [[Astronomy:International Space Station|International Space Station]]. Since each of the new lithium-ion battery has a capability equivalent to two of the current nickel-hydrogen batteries, the six new batteries will replace twelve old batteries, out of the 48 existing batteries of the ISS.<ref name=jaxa20160603/>

On departure from the ISS, Kounotori 6 carries 9 out of the 12 replaced old batteries which will be disposed of by destructive reentry into Earth's atmosphere. The 3 remaining old batteries stay on the ISS.<ref name=nvs20160601/>

== Operation ==
=== Launch ===
On 26 July 2016, the launch was scheduled for 30 September 2016,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://global.jaxa.jp/press/2016/07/20160726_h2bf6.html|title=Launch of the H-II Transfer Vehicle "KOUNOTORI6" (HTV6) aboard the H-IIB Launch Vehicle No. 6|publisher=JAXA|date=26 July 2016|access-date=10 August 2016}}</ref> but on 10 August 2016, postponement was announced due to the leak from piping.<ref name="jaxa20160810">{{cite web|url=http://global.jaxa.jp/press/2016/08/20160810_h2bf6.html|title=Launch Postponement of H-IIB Launch Vehicle No. 6 with H-II Transfer Vehicle "KOUNOTORI6" (HTV6) Onboard|publisher=JAXA|date=10 August 2016 |access-date=10 August 2016}}</ref>

The [[Engineering:H-IIB|H-IIB]] launch vehicle carrying Kounotori 6 lifted off at 13:26:47 UTC on 9 December 2016, and 15 minutes 11 seconds later, Kounotori 6 was released into initial 200 × 300 km orbit.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://global.jaxa.jp/press/2016/12/20161210_h2bf6.html|title=Launch success of the H-IIB Launch Vehicle No. 6 (H-IIB F6) with the H-II Transfer Vehicle "KOUNOTORI6" on board|date=10 December 2016|access-date=10 December 2016}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.jaxa.jp/press/2016/10/files/20161007_h2bf6.pdf|script-title=ja:H-II B・F6平成28年度ロケット打上げ計画書宇宙ステーション補給機｢こうのとり｣6号機(HTV6)／H-IIBロケット6号機（H-IIB・F6)|publisher=JAXA|date=October 2016|access-date=10 December 2016}}</ref>

SFINKS experiment payload began the data collection at 14:16, on 9 December 2016, but it stopped unexpectedly after 509 seconds.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.ard.jaxa.jp/pickup/pickup-2016.html|script-title=ja:「薄膜太陽電池フィルムアレイシートモジュール軌道上実証システム（SFINKS）」の状況について|language=Japanese|publisher=JAXA|date=2016|access-date=17 December 2016}}</ref>

After a series of orbital manoeuvres, Kounotori 6 arrived to the proximity of ISS and captured by [[Engineering:Mobile Servicing System#Canadarm2|SSRMS]] (Canadarm2) at 10:39 (10:37 according to NASA), on 13 December 2016.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://iss.jaxa.jp/en/htv/news/htv6_capture.html|title=SSRMS captures KOUNOTORI6|publisher=JAXA|date=13 December 2016|access-date=17 December 2016}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://blogs.nasa.gov/stationreport/2016/12/13/iss-daily-summary-report-12132016/|title=ISS Daily Summary Report – 12/13/2016|publisher=NASA|date=13 December 2016|access-date=17 December 2016}} {{PD-notice}}</ref> Kounotori was bolted to the CBM ([[Engineering:Common Berthing Mechanism|Common Berthing Mechanism]]) of the ''Harmony'' [[Nadir|nadir]] port by 13:48 UTC.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://iss.jaxa.jp/en/htv/news/htv6_latch.html|title=KOUNOTORI6 fastened to Harmony with CBM bolts|date=14 December 2016|publisher=JAXA|access-date=17 December 2016}}</ref>

=== Operation while berthed to ISS ===
Berthing operation completed at 18:24, on 13 December 2016 UTC,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://iss.jaxa.jp/en/htv/news/htv6_activation.html|title=ISS crew concludes Kounotori 6 berthing operations|publisher=JAXA |date=14 December 2016|access-date=17 December 2016}}</ref> and the hatch opened at 19:44 UTC.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://iss.jaxa.jp/en/htv/news/htv6_1214.html|title=Kounotori 6 hatch opening and crew ingress |date=14 December 2016|access-date=17 December 2016}}</ref>

Since 07:44, 14 December 2016, Exposed Pallet (EP) was extracted from Unpressurised Logistics Carrier (ULC) of Kounotori 6 by [[Engineering:Mobile Servicing System|SSRMS]] and transferred to Payload and ORU Accommodation (POA).<ref>{{cite web|url=http://iss.jaxa.jp/en/htv/news/htv6_ep_1214.html|title=Transfer of the Exposed Pallet (EP) begins|publisher=JAXA|date=14 December 2016|access-date=17 December 2016}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://blogs.nasa.gov/stationreport/2016/12/14/iss-daily-summary-report-12142016/|title=ISS Daily Summary Report – 12/14/2016|publisher=NASA|date=14 December 2016|access-date=17 December 2016}} {{PD-notice}}</ref>  After a combination of two Extra-Vehicular Activities and robotic operations, the lithium-ion battery units and adapter plates were installed. The Exposed Pallet carrying old Nickel-hydrogen battery units was returned to Kounotori 6's Unpresurised Logistics Carrier on 23 January 2017.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://blogs.nasa.gov/stationreport/2017/01/23/|title=ISS Daily Summary Report – 1/23/2017|work=ISS On-Orbit Status Report|publisher=NASA|date=23 January 2017|access-date=29 January 2017}} {{PD-notice}}</ref>

=== Departure from the ISS and re-entry to the Earth atmosphere ===
[[Engineering:Mobile Servicing System|SSRMS]] grappled and detached Kounotori 6 from the CBM of ''Harmony'' [[Nadir|nadir]] port at 10:59, 27 January 2017,<ref name="undock">{{cite web |url=http://iss.jaxa.jp/en/htv/news/htv6_unberthed.html|title=KOUNOTORI6 was unberthed from the nadir port of Harmony (Node 2) by the SSRMS|publisher=JAXA|date=27 January 2017|access-date=29 January 2017}}</ref> and Kounotori 6 was released at 15:45, on 27 January 2017.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://iss.jaxa.jp/en/htv/news/htv6_leaves.html|title=KOUNOTORI6 Leaves the ISS|publisher=JAXA|date=28 January 2017 |access-date=29 January 2017}}</ref>

Following the undocking after moving to a safe distance from ISS, the Kounotori 6 was to demonstrate the "Kounotori Integrated Tether Experiment" (KITE) using electrodynamic tether to demonstrate 
space debris removal technology.<ref name="kite">{{cite web|url=http://www.ard.jaxa.jp/eng/research/kite/kite.html|title=On-orbit demonstration of electrodynamic tether on the H-II Transfer Vehicle (HTV)（Kounotori Integrated Tether Experiments (KITE))|publisher=JAXA|access-date=29 January 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170206211948/http://www.ard.jaxa.jp/eng/research/kite/kite.html|archive-date=6 February 2017|url-status=dead}}</ref> This experiment was planned for seven days before [[Astronomy:Atmospheric entry|reentry]] to the [[Earth:Atmosphere of Earth|Earth's atmosphere]].<ref name="undock"/> On 31 January 2017, media reported some problems in extending the tether, bringing to doubt the experiment's success.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.spaceflightinsider.com/missions/iss/japanese-tether-experiment-hits-snag/ |title=Japanese tether experiment hits snag|publisher=spaceflightinsider|date=31 January 2017|access-date=1 February 2017}}</ref>

A series of deorbit manoeuvres were performed at 08:42, 10:12, and 14:42 UTC, on 5 February 2017.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://iss.jaxa.jp/en/htv/news/htv6_dom1.html|title=KOUNOTORI6 performed its first de-orbit maneuvers for reentry|publisher=JAXA|date=5 February 2017|access-date=6 February 2017}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://iss.jaxa.jp/en/htv/news/htv6_dom2.html|title=KOUNOTORI6 performed its second de-orbit maneuver for reentry|date=5 February 2017|publisher=JAXA|access-date=6 February 2017}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://iss.jaxa.jp/en/htv/news/htv6_dom3.html|title=KOUNOTORI6 performed its third de-orbit maneuver for reentry|publisher=JAXA|date=5 February 2017|access-date=6 February 2017}}</ref> Kounotori 6 reentered to Earth atmosphere over southern [[Earth:Pacific Ocean|Pacific Ocean]] around 15:06 UTC, on 5 February 2017.

== References ==
{{reflist|30em|refs=

<ref name="jaxa20161124">{{cite web|url=http://fanfun.jaxa.jp/countdown/htv6/files/htv6_press_kit.pdf|script-title=ja:宇宙ステーション補給機「こうのとり」6号機（HTV6）【ミッションプレスキット】|language=Japanese |publisher=JAXA|date=24 November 2016|access-date=3 December 2016}}</ref>
}}

== External links ==
* [http://www.jaxa.jp/projects/rockets/htv/index_e.html JAXA HTV page]
* [http://iss.jaxa.jp/en/htv/mission/htv-6/ HTV6 Mission], JAXA
* [http://www.ard.jaxa.jp/publication/pamphlets/pdf/saizensen6.pdf 宇宙開発最前線！ Vol.6] (PDF) {{in lang|ja}}

=== Images ===
* [http://jda.jaxa.jp/category_p.php?lang=e&page=&category1=1&category2=23&category3=604&page_pics=50 Kounotori 6] – JAXA Digital Archives
* [http://jda.jaxa.jp/result.php?lang=j&id=eb1e2a4896054cb3372ac7884b25396f HTV-6 & KITE]
* [http://jda.jaxa.jp/result.php?lang=j&id=371d2e4a9c24ea3a1e786fee68af1bc2 HTV-6 & KITE]

{{H-II Transfer Vehicles}}
{{Uncrewed ISS flights}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Kounotori 6}}

[[Category:Supply vehicles for the International Space Station]]

{{Sourceattribution|Kounotori 6|1}}