Japanese Cargo Ship Re-enters over Pacific

A Japanese cargo tug that delivered 3,600 kilograms of supplies to the international space station in late July re-entered the atmosphere Sept. 14 over the Pacific Ocean, completing its 56-day mission.

Re-entry of the unmanned H-2 Transfer Vehicle 3 (HTV-3) occurred around 1:30 a.m. EDT, according to a statement from the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency.

HTV-3 departed the space station Sept. 12 after being filled with trash and unneeded items. The mission was Japan’s third cargo run to the international space station since the HTV made its maiden voyage in September 2009.

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