The sophisticated Japanese experiment in automated space docking, which was threatened a few weeks ago with failure when a small satellite couldn't get aligned with its mother ship, has finally worked. Hikoboshi, the smaller chaser satellite, approaches Orihime, the target satellite, in an automated space docking. ETS-7, for Engineering Technology Satellite. But the Japanese space flight controllers named the two parts Hikoboshi and Orihime after a legend of two lovers who were allowed to meet only once a year. But this second test, at ranges up to several miles, proved more challenging and took three weeks to accomplish instead of three days.
Further tests are under consideration if the smaller satellite has enough maneuvering fuel left.
The Japanese want to develop their own automated resupply vehicle to support the International Space Station. With the Russians dropping out of their promised role in this regard, the possibility of Japanese replacement vehicles in a few years might avoid more extensive injuries to the already limping NASA plans. James Oberg spent 22 years as a rocket scientist for NASA, and has written eight books and numerous articles on space flight. There were high hopes that Zenit could earn major profits for the Ukrainian space industry. All rights reserved.