Any of a series of Japanese satellites used for research into technologies to improve communications and broadcasting satellites and other future space developments. Japan's National Space Development Agency launched ETS-1 (also called Kiku 1) in 1975 to acquire information about its N rocket, orbit injection, and tracking and control. ETS-7 (Kiku 7) was launched in 1997 for rendezvous docking experiments, having a chase satellite (Hikoboshi) and target satellite (Orinhime). ETS-8 is scheduled for launch in 2005 to verify the world's largest geostationary satellite bus (see spacecraft bus) technology.
Subjects: Astronomy and Astrophysics.