H-II Transfer Vehicle KOUNOTORI (HTV)

"KOUNOTORI" chosen as the nickname of H-II Transfer Vehicle (HTV)

As the result of nickname campaign for the H-II Transfer Vehicle (HTV) conducted from August 27 to September 3, "KOUNOTORI" was selected because KOUNOTORI (English name: White(Oriental) Stork) has an image of carrying important things (baby, happiness, etc).

Therefore, the nickname "KOUNOTORI" precisely expresses the HTV's mission to transport essential materials to the ISS.

Thank you for sending many applications. JAXA hopes your continuous supports to KOUNOTORI.

Currently, the HTV2 (KOUNOTORI2) has been scheduled to be launched on January 20, 2011.

*All times are Japan Standard Time (JST)