Across the globe, cargo shipping containers are filled to the brim with all kinds of important items. Medications, nonperishable goods, tools, and so much more are transported throughout the United States and the rest of the world.
In a single year, an average container trip travels the equivalent of 75% of the way to the moon and back during its regular travel across the ocean. Now — thanks to some innovative technology — some of those cargo shipping containers might actually be able to travel into space, and not just across the world’s oceans.
According to Spaceflight Now, a Japanese cargo ship equipped with more than 10,000 pounds of supplies and equipment was captured by the International Space Station’s (ISS) robot arm during a successful rendezvous.
The HTV-7 “Kounotori” cargo shipping container craft was captured by the robotic arm as the two spacecraft were passing 251 miles above the northern Pacific Ocean.
“HTV capture is complete, the arm is safe. And I just want to say that we’re delighted to see HTV-7 arrive at ISS,” said Drew Feustel, station commander. “Thanks to the JAXA (Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency) teams for working so hard to successfully launch this vehicle in spite of the recent challenges with hardware and weather.”
The HTV’s pressurized hold is loaded with 7,500 pounds of supplies, including 3,300 pounds of research equipment, 2,800 pounds of station parts, 1,300 pounds of food for the crew, and even a new set of solar array batteries.
The powerful lithium-ion batteries will be installed in the station’s port-4 solar array segment, replacing the 12 nickel-hydrogen batteries that have lost power after launching as the spacecraft’s original equipment back in 2006.
The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) is currently in the process of replacing all four sets of solar array batters, now needing only 6 batteries compared to the 12 that were previously needed.
If you want to learn more about the various uses of steel cargo containers or find some quality new or used shipping containers for sale for your own personal or professional needs, give Integrated Equipment Sales a call right away.
