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Topic: Kounotori-4: Viewing, comments and questions
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Robert Pearlman Editor Posts: 42988 From: Houston, TX Registered: Nov 1999
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posted 08-06-2013 05:17 PM
Kounotori-4: mission viewing, questions, comments This thread is intended for members' comments and questions about Japan's Kounotori-4 mission and the updates posted under the topic: JAXA's H-II Transfer Vehicle (HTV-4) Kounotori-4. The Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) launched Saturday (Aug. 3) its fourth H-II Transfer Vehicle (HTV-4) "Kounotori-4" to the International Space Station. The unmanned spacecraft lifted off atop an H-IIB rocket at 2:48 p.m. CDT (1948 GMT) from the Tanegashima Space Center in Japan.
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gliderpilotuk Member Posts: 3398 From: London, UK Registered: Feb 2002
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posted 08-06-2013 05:18 PM
Just seen overhead London... and flaring very bright. Some good sightings of both HTV-4 and the ISS in close orbit over the UK this week. |
SkyMan1958 Member Posts: 867 From: CA. Registered: Jan 2011
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posted 08-09-2013 03:33 PM
Does anyone know WHY the powers that be are having cargo carrying spacecraft take such a long time from launch to rendezvous with the ISS? It seems that even a "quick" rendezvous with the ISS by the assorted Russian, European, US or Japanese cargo vessels takes 2 days. |
Robert Pearlman Editor Posts: 42988 From: Houston, TX Registered: Nov 1999
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posted 08-09-2013 06:32 PM
Transit times are determined by a number of factors, driven by an overriding desire to minimize propellant consumption. Other constraints include the availability of the launch site and traffic at the space station.ESA's ATV has a nominal transit time of five days, similar to JAXA's HTV. Russia's Progress has made the trip in six hours (four orbits). |
SkyMan1958 Member Posts: 867 From: CA. Registered: Jan 2011
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posted 08-09-2013 07:59 PM
Thank you for the info Robert! |