The Japanese Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) plans to develop a manned spacecraft based on its H-2 Transfer Vehicle (HTV), with a prototype test flight scheduled for 2008, say local reports. The HTV is being developed as an unmanned resupply vessel for the International Space Station, with a first flight scheduled for 2008.
A crew-carrying derivative of the HTV is part of a long-term space strategy to 2025, which includes development of a manned spaceflight capability, that will be approved officially this month, say the reports. Under the plan, JAXA will improve the reliability of its H-2A launch vehicle to allow manned launches by 2015.
The agency will also improve its technology for recovering space capsules because the HTV is designed to burn up on re-entry.
Source: Flight International
