The Evolution of Japanese Space Policy: Autonomy and International Cooperation
- Paper number
IAC-05-E4.4.07
- Author
Mr. Hirotaka Watanabe, Osaka University, Japan
- Year
2005
- Abstract
H2B launch vehicle is enhanced version of H2A. H2B will launch H-2 Transfer Vehicle(HTV) to the ISS, and will satisfy various customer needs to launch single and multi payloads. After completing critical designing phase, we are now manufacturing developing the vehicle. The first flight will be in 2009, and before that, we have conducted the Battleship firing test (BFT), to qualify the first stage propulsion system. In this paper, we introduce the latest H2B launch vehicle development status, including results of the BFT.
<Introduction>
Japan’s H-IIA launch vehicle has been developed well balanced in payload capability, reliability, practicality, safety and cost. It has achieved thirteen successes. To satisfy various customer needs to launch dual payload for lower launch cost and to launch HTV (H2A transfer vehicle) the H2B launch vehicle has been developed from 2004.
<Features of H2B rocket>
The feature of H-2B rocket is as follows:- Enlargement of the 1st stage diameter (4m Dia ?5.2m Dia)
- Clustering of the 1st stage engines (LE-7A x 1? LE-7A x 2)
- Modification of ground equipment.
The feature worthly of special mention is clustering the liquid engines, LE-7A which already had been developed and used as H2A launch vehicle’s main engine.
<Development schedule and status>
H2B rocket’s first flight is scheduled in 2009. First stage propulsion system will be qualified by BFT (Battleship Firing Test) and CFT (Captive Firing Test). CFT/GTV is conducted following BFT for final verification of propulsion system and interface consistency between vehicle and ground equipment. The vehicle checked out in CFT/GTV will be launched as first test flight. CFT is scheduled in 2009. CFT vehicle is the same vehicle as the first flight vehicle.- Abstract document
- Manuscript document
IAC-05-E4.4.07.pdf (🔒 authorized access only).
To get the manuscript, please contact IAF Secretariat.