Successful Controlled Re-entry of HTV-X1

Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency

HTV-X1 successfully re-entered the atmosphere after its final de-orbit maneuver at
around 22:44 on May 26, 2026 (JST).
It successfully accomplished its primary objectives of transporting cargo to the International Space Station (ISS) and serving as a technology demonstration platform.

The estimated date/time of HTV-X1 re-entry and splashdown are as follows (JST):
Estimated re-entry^*1:
May 26, 2026 / around 23:09 (JST)

Estimated splashdown:
May 26, 2026 / around 23:09 ～ May 27, 2026 / around 00:09 (JST)

Last night, HTV-X1 conducted a de-orbit maneuver and successfully re-entered the atmosphere as planned.

HTV-X1 was launched from the Tanegashima Space Center on October 26, 2025 (JST). Following its successful flight and berthing with the International Space Station (ISS), it transferred the cargo it had carried to the ISS. Later, after loading waste materials from the ISS, HTV-X1 departed the Station on March 7, 2026, and conducted on-orbit technology demonstrations for two and a half months before triumphantly completing its atmospheric re-entry yesterday.

As the first vehicle in the HTV-X series, HTV-X1 inherits the development and operational expertise accumulated through nine successful KOUNOTORI (HTV) missions, while enhancing cargo capacity and operational flexibility, and introducing new capabilities as a technology demonstration platform that leverages post-separation operational opportunities. As the only spacecraft capable of transporting large-scale experimental equipment to the ISS, HTV-X1 has fulfilled Japan’s responsibilities not only by delivering Japanese cargo, but also by transporting supplies for ISS international partners. In addition, it provides diverse opportunities for on-orbit technology demonstrations, thereby contributing significantly to the uninterrupted, stable operation of the ISS and to the advancement of future space utilization and exploration.

For future vehicles in the series, we will continue to advance development and operation of this versatile spacecraft, which has the potential to support lunar and Mars exploration and cargo transportation to future space stations in the post-ISS era.

We would like to express my sincere gratitude to all domestic and international partners and to the people of Japan for their tremendous backing and cooperation in the development, launch, and operation of HTV-X. We deeply appreciate your continued support.

May 27, 2026
YAMAKAWA Hiroshi,
President
Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA)