ETS-VII

The Engineering Test Satellite VII (ETS -VII) or KIKU -7 was a two- satellite experiment, the Japanese space agency NASDA. ETS was (local time: November 28 ) on 27 November 1997 launched from Tanegashima Space Center with an H- II rocket. The weight of the satellite was 2860 kg. The main mission lasted about 1.5 years.

Mission

The purpose of the experimental satellite was to gather experience in docking maneuvers and robotic tests in space for future missions. For this purpose, it consisted of two satellites called Hikoboshi ( Chaser ) and Orihime (Target ), who separated after the start. The aim was to dock with the chaser satellite to the target satellite. The docking maneuver was performed successfully with both automatic and manual control. The satellites are named after a couple of the Tanabata festival.

For the experiments was a robotic -controlled from the earth robot available that has been used for example for handling of small items. It was the first equipped with a robot arm satellites.

The German Aerospace Center (DLR ) and the Institute for Robotics and System Dynamics, University of Dortmund were involved from 19 to 21 April 1999 experiments to control the robot arm with a data glove and the DLR Space Mouse. The aim was to move the arm without special technical knowledge and easy to move objects or to place. It also simulations were checked for orbital motion in real time and gained knowledge for future repair satellites. The German project was GETEX ( German Technology EXperiment on ETS -VII) called. It more scientific data were collected as planned.