Photos: Japan Launches 3rd Robotic Supply Ship to Space Station

H2-B Rocket Engine Fires

The rocket engine on the Japanese H2-B booster fires July 20, 2012 to launch the unmanned HTV-3 cargo spacecraft.

HTV-3 Launches

Japan's robotic HTV-3 cargo spaceship launches July 20, 2012 from Tanegashima Space Center in southern Japan.

H2-B Liftoff

A Japanese H2-B rocket lifts off carrying the HTV-2 unmanned cargo spacecraft toward the International Space Station on July 20, 2012.

H-II B Rocket Third Unit

The H-II B rocket third unit core body will be part of the rocket that launches Kounotori 3 to the International Space Station.

Japan's H-2B Rocket Launches HTV-3

Japan's robotic HTV-3 cargo spaceship launches July 20, 2012 from Tanegashima Space Center in southern Japan. The spacecraft is carrying new supplies for the International Space Station.

HTV-3 Launches

Japan's robotic HTV-3 cargo spaceship launches July 20, 2012 from Tanegashima Space Center in southern Japan.

H-II B Rocket Third Unit

The H-II B rocket third unit core body will be part of the rocket that launches Japan's Kounotori3 ATV to the International Space Station.

Japan's HTV-1 Space Cargo Ship

Backdropped by Earth's horizon and the blackness of space, the first unpiloted Japanese H-2 Transfer Vehicle (HTV) approaches the International Space Station on Sept. 17, 2009.

Japan's Space Hopes Riding on New Spaceship's Debut

The payload fairing of Japan's new H-2B rocket separates from the new HTV cargo ship in this artist's interpretation.

HTV at the Space Station

An artist's interpretation of Japan's H-2 Transfer Vehicle arriving at the International Space Station.