Overview

• The mission was scheduled to lift off Oct. 21 on H3 rocket No. 7 from the Tanegashima Space Center in Kagoshima Prefecture.
• JAXA attributed the delay to an autumn rain front expected to bring persistent strong winds and heavy rainfall around the launch site.
• The agency said conditions are unlikely to improve before Oct. 23 and a revised launch schedule will be announced later.
• HTV‑X is Japan’s next‑generation uncrewed cargo vehicle for the International Space Station, succeeding the Kounotori series with greater cargo flexibility.
• After departing the station, the spacecraft is designed to conduct on‑orbit technology demonstrations, according to JAXA.