Preliminary Study for Manned Spacecraft with Escape System and H-IIB Rocket

Abstract

HTV (H-II Transfer Vehicle) is the first Japanese un-manned service vehicle that will transport several pieces of equipments to ISS (International Space Station) and support human activities on orbit. HTV will be launched by the first H-IIB rocket in September 2009 and JAXA will have the capability to access LEO (Low Earth Orbit) bases with enough volume/weight as the human transport system. This paper is the preliminary study for developing a manned spacecraft from the HTV design and includes clarification of necessary development items. In addition, missing parts in the current HTV design are identified with some analysis, such as LES (Launch Escape System), which is mandatory for all human transport systems.