JAXA Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency

	KIKU-7(ETS-VII) is the satellite developed to acquire the basic technologies of rendezvous docking and space robotics which are essential to future space activities. KIKU-7 consists of two satellites named "Chaser" and "Target." Each satellite is separated in space after launching and rendezvous docking experiment has been conducted three times, in which the Chaser satellite automatically and remotely being piloted. Furthermore, we have very often conducted the space robot experiments which include manipulation of small parts, propellant replenishment by using the robot arms installed on the Chaser remotely piloted. Several scientific data have been acquired by these experimental results.

KIKU-7(ETS-VII) is the satellite developed to acquire the basic technologies of rendezvous docking and space robotics which are essential to future space activities.
KIKU-7 consists of two satellites named "Chaser" and "Target." Each satellite is separated in space after launching and rendezvous docking experiment has been conducted three times, in which the Chaser satellite automatically and remotely being piloted. Furthermore, we have very often conducted the space robot experiments which include manipulation of small parts, propellant replenishment by using the robot arms installed on the Chaser remotely piloted. Several scientific data have been acquired by these experimental results.

Characteristics of Engineering Test Satellite VII "KIKU-7" (ETS-VII)

The KIKU-7 conducts the rendezvous-docking and space robotics experiments. In the rendezvous-docking experiment, the chaser satellite conducts rendezvous-docking with the target satellite by both automatic and remotely piloted controls, and in the space robotics experiments, unmanned space work is carried out by teleoperation. In addition, the space robotics experiments by MITI / ETL, CRL and NAL are carried out. The operation of the ETS-VII is conducted from the ground via data relay satellite (TDRS). These experiments on the KIKU-7 are the first attempt in the world and enable us to establish the basic technology for future space activities. The operation of the rendez-vous-docking and space robotics experiments are conducted from the NASDA ground stations via data relay satellite (TDRS).

The KIKU-7 conducts the rendezvous-docking and space robotics experiments. In the rendezvous-docking experiment, the chaser satellite conducts rendezvous-docking with the target satellite by both automatic and remotely piloted controls, and in the space robotics experiments, unmanned space work is carried out by teleoperation. In addition, the space robotics experiments by MITI / ETL, CRL and NAL are carried out. The operation of the ETS-VII is conducted from the ground via data relay satellite (TDRS). These experiments on the KIKU-7 are the first attempt in the world and enable us to establish the basic technology for future space activities.
The operation of the rendez-vous-docking and space robotics experiments are conducted from the NASDA ground stations via data relay satellite (TDRS).

Major Characteristics

International Designation Code	Hikoboshi 1997-074B／Orihime 1997-074E
Launch Date	11/28/1997
Launch Vehicle	H-II Launch Vehicle (6F)
Launch Site	Tanegashima Space Center
Weight	2,860kg
Orbit	Circular orbit/Altitude 550km/Inclination 35deg.
Dimensions	Box shape with solar paddles
Life	1.5 years
Period	Approx. 96 minutes
Attitude	Control Three-axis stabilization

Reference

H-II Launch Vehicle

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