ETS-VII

[1] It was launched aboard an H-II rocket from Tanegashima Space Center, on 28 November 1997.

[1] It was the world's first satellite to be equipped with a robotic arm,[2] and also Japan's first uncrewed spacecraft to conduct autonomous rendezvous and docking operations successfully, decades after the docking of the Soviet Kosmos 186 and Kosmos 188 spacecraft in 1967.

The satellite was assisted by relative global positioning system (RGPS) navigation.

However, in March 1999, it was decided to carry out operations for an additional six months because the satellite was in good condition.

All the planned experiments had been carried out by this time, but the satellite was monitored to evaluate its durability.

[4] NASDA had invited research institutes in Japan and other countries to conduct joint experiments with the ETS-VII.

As a result, joint experiments were conducted with organizations such as the European Space Agency (ESA).