HEO Space has published images taken by the Satellogic satellite service. They show the docking process of the new Japanese cargo spacecraft HTV-X with the ISS.
Development of the HTV-X began in the last decade, and it was created to replace the HTV spacecraft, which made its last flight in 2020. The spacecraft is 8 meters long and 4.4 meters in diameter (excluding solar panels). It can carry up to 4,050 kg of cargo in a pressurized compartment and another 1,750 kg in an unpressurized compartment.
The first flight of HTV-X began on October 26. Three days later, the spacecraft was successfully captured by the Canadarm2 robotic arm and docked with the station.
The entire process was captured on images taken by Satellogic, a partner of HEO Space. The published images show the HTV-X approaching the ISS and subsequently docking with it.
HEO Space regularly publishes similar images to promote its capabilities. The company specializes in photographing various space objects, from active satellites to fragments of space debris. Every year, this service is becoming more and more popular. It is actively used to assess the condition of spacecraft and track space debris. It is also of considerable interest to military and intelligence agencies.
