PADYoshinobu Launch Complex LP-2
SITETanegashima Space Center, Japan →ORBITLow Earth Orbit
TYPEResupply
PROGRAMInternational Space Station
MISSION OVERVIEW
Uncrewed cargo resupply mission to International Space Station.
LAUNCH DETAILS
VEHICLE
H-IIBMISSION
Kounotori 3 (HTV-3)
MISSION TYPE
Resupply
TARGET ORBIT
Low Earth Orbit
LAUNCH PAD
Yoshinobu Launch Complex LP-2LAUNCH SITE
Tanegashima Space Center, JapanPROGRAM
International Space Station
COUNTRY
JPN
LAUNCH TIME VERIFICATION
CONFIRMEDPrecision: Minute
LAUNCH LIBRARY 2 PRIMARY
API ID: a6cea074-1d8f-4767-b703-016d089a7cc2
Reported date: Jul 21, 2012 at 02:06 UTC
Last synced: 11 hours ago
This launch date and time are confirmed by the launch provider. Countdown is active.
LAUNCH MAP
PAD WEATHER
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H-II TRANSFER VEHICLE (HTV) — KOUNOTORI 3
HTV-3SERIAL
1FLIGHTS
International Space StationDESTINATION
Single UseSTATUS
Kounotori 3, also known as HTV-3, is the third Japanese H-II Transfer Vehicle. It was launched on 21 July 2012 to resupply the International Space Station (ISS) aboard the H-IIB…
VEHICLE — H-IIB →
MANUFACTURER
Mitsubishi Heavy Industries
VARIANT
304
FLIGHTS
9
SUCCESSES
9
SUCCESS RATE
100%
H-IIB (H2B) is an expendable launch system used to launch H-II Transfer Vehicles (HTV, or Kounotori) towards the International Space Station. H-IIB rockets are liquid-fuelled with solid-fuel strap-on boosters and are launched from the Tanegashima Space Center in Japan. Mitsubishi and JAXA have been primarily responsible for design, manufacture, and operation of H-IIB.
LAUNCH VIDEOS
ARTICLES & COVERAGE
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
When is the H-IIB 304 | Kounotori 3 (HTV-3) launch?
The H-IIB 304 | Kounotori 3 (HTV-3) is scheduled for Saturday, July 21, 2012 at 2:06 AM UTC. This is the NET (No Earlier Than) time and may be subject to change. Current status: SUCCESS.
What rocket is being used for Kounotori 3 (HTV-3)?
The H-IIB 304 | Kounotori 3 (HTV-3) mission uses the H-IIB rocket, manufactured by Mitsubishi Heavy Industries. The H-IIB has flown 9 times with a 100% success rate.
Where is the H-IIB 304 | Kounotori 3 (HTV-3) launching from?
The launch takes place from Yoshinobu Launch Complex LP-2 at Tanegashima Space Center, Japan.
What orbit is Kounotori 3 (HTV-3) going to?
The Kounotori 3 (HTV-3) mission is targeting Low Earth Orbit.
Who is launching Kounotori 3 (HTV-3)?
The H-IIB 304 | Kounotori 3 (HTV-3) is operated by Mitsubishi Heavy Industries. It is part of the International Space Station program.
Can I watch the H-IIB 304 | Kounotori 3 (HTV-3) launch live?
Yes. Visit the launch detail page on Space Launch Live for embedded YouTube webcasts, replay videos, and links to live coverage from SpaceX, NASA, NASASpaceflight, and other channels.
LAUNCH TIMELINE
Mar 29, 2026 00:02 UTC
Launch added to tracker
Imported from Launch Library 2 API
Mar 29, 2026 00:02 UTC
Launch date set: Jul 21, 2012 at 02:06 UTC
NET (No Earlier Than) confirmed by Mitsubishi Heavy Industries
Mar 29, 2026 00:02 UTC
Launch completed successfully
Updated via Launch Library 2
LIVE DATA SOURCES
Last data sync: 11 hours ago
●Launch Library 211 hours ago
Launch ID: a6cea074-1d8f-4767-b703-016d089a7cc2
●Open-Meteo Weather11 hours ago
Pad weather at 30.4, 130.98
●YouTube Video Search11 hours ago
1 video discovered
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