Read, Watch or Listen

Japan's HTV-X cargo spacecraft is set for its debut flight to the International Space Station, launching atop an H3 rocket from Tanegashima around 8 p.m. EDT (0000 GMT; 9 a.m. Japan time Oct. 26). JAXA's live coverage begins roughly an hour beforehand, viewable via Space.com or the agency. The 26.2-foot freighter succeeds the Kounotori series, matching its roughly 13,200-pound payload while adding new capabilities, including up to 1.5 years of on-orbit demonstrations after leaving the ISS. JAXA envisions missions beyond the ISS, potentially flying cargo to Gateway, the space station NASA may build in lunar orbit as part of Artemis.

Prepared by Olivia Bennett and reviewed by editorial team.