H-IIB

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The H-IIB is a family of liquid-fuelled rockets providing an expendable launch system for the main purpose of launching the H-II Transfer Vehicle (HTV) towards the International Space Station. It is manufactured by Mitsubishi and JAXA. Launches will occur at the Tanegashima Space Center.

The H-IIB, will be launched for the first time in 2009 and will be able to carry a payload of up to 8 tons to GTO, compared with the payload of 4 to 6 tons for the H-IIA. Its performance in LEO will be sufficient for the HTV(16,500 kg).

The H-IIB is a derivative of the earlier H-IIA rocket. The H-IIB will have two LE-7A engines, wide body(5.2m) and tanks on new first stage, and four SRB-A booster rockets. 2nd stage specification is same as H-IIA includes LE-5B engine, except new long designed 5S-H type fairing for JAXA's HTV(10m*4m) payload specific.

The development of this new launcher has required since 2004 a budget of around 20 billion yen (US$180 million; €150 million).

[edit] Basic specs

• Height　56 m
• Diameter 5.2 m(1st stage)
• Mass 551,000 kg
• Payload to GTO 8000kg
• Payload to ISS 16500kg
• Stages: 2
• First stage engine: LE-XX (LE-7A * 2)
• Second stage engine: LE-5B