H-II Transfer Vehicle KOUNOTORI (HTV)

HTV encapsulated

HTV Technical Demonstration Vehicle encapsulated in the H-IIB payload fairing

On August 21, the H-II Transfer Vehicle (HTV) Technical Demonstration Vehicle was mated with the Payload Attach Fitting (PAF) that is used for attaching the HTV and H-IIB launch vehicle at the Spacecraft and Fairing Assembly Building #2 (SFA2).

On August 23, the HTV on the PAF was encapsulated in the payload fairing, which covers the payload to protect it from air resistance, friction and the acoustic vibrations of launch.

*All times are Japan Standard Time (JST)