# Kiku-7 Target

> Japanese rendezvous demonstration satellite

**Wikidata**: [Q133289298](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q133289298)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/kiku-7-target

## Summary
Kiku-7 Target was a Japanese rendezvous demonstration satellite launched on November 27, 1997, as part of the Kiku series of Japanese technology demonstration spacecraft. It served as a target for in-orbit rendezvous and docking experiments, primarily with the Kiku-7 Chaser spacecraft, before re-entering Earth's atmosphere in 2015.

## Key Facts
- Kiku-7 Target was launched on November 27, 1997, at 21:27 from Yoshinobu Launch Complex Launch Pad 1 aboard an H-II-6F rocket
- The satellite was part of the Kiku series of Japanese technology demonstration spacecraft
- It had the COSPAR and NSSDCA identifier 1997-074E
- The satellite was operated by Japan's National Space Development Agency
- Kiku-7 Target served as a target for the Kiku-7 Chaser spacecraft in rendezvous and docking experiments
- It was retired from service on October 30, 2002
- The satellite entered Earth's atmosphere on November 13, 2015, marking its orbital decay
- The satellite was also known as Engineering Test Satellite 7 Target, ETS-7 Target, ETS VII Target, and Orihime

## FAQs
### Q: What was the purpose of Kiku-7 Target?
A: Kiku-7 Target was specifically designed as a rendezvous demonstration satellite to enable in-orbit experiments involving rendezvous and docking with the Kiku-7 Chaser spacecraft. These experiments were critical for developing Japan's capabilities in satellite servicing and future space operations.

### Q: When was Kiku-7 Target launched and when did it become inactive?
A: Kiku-7 Target was launched on November 27, 1997, from the Yoshinobu Launch Complex aboard an H-II rocket. It was retired from service on October 30, 2002, after successfully completing its technology demonstration mission.

### Q: What were the other names of Kiku-7 Target?
A: Kiku-7 Target was also known by several other names including Engineering Test Satellite 7 Target, ETS-7 Target, ETS VII Target, and Orihime. These names were commonly used in different contexts and publications.

## Why It Matters
Kiku-7 Target played a crucial role in advancing Japan's autonomous space rendezvous and docking technologies, which are essential for complex space operations including satellite servicing, in-orbit assembly, and future human spaceflight missions. The successful rendezvous and docking demonstrations between Kiku-7 Target and the Kiku-7 Chaser spacecraft provided valuable data and experience that contributed to the development of Japan's space capabilities. These achievements were particularly significant as they demonstrated Japan's ability to conduct advanced autonomous orbital operations, reducing dependence on international partnerships for such critical space technologies.

## Notable For
- Kiku-7 Target was part of the pioneering Japanese Kiku series of technology demonstration spacecraft
- It served as a target for the first in-orbit rendezvous and docking experiments conducted by Japan
- The satellite completed its technology demonstration mission within 5 years of launch (retired in 2002)
- Kiku-7 Target remained in orbit for over 18 years after launch before reentering Earth's atmosphere
- The mission was a significant step in developing Japan's autonomous space operations capabilities

## Body
### Overview
Kiku-7 Target was a technology demonstration spacecraft specifically designed for rendezvous and docking experiments. As part of the Kiku series of Japanese technology demonstration spacecraft, it served as a target for the Kiku-7 Chaser spacecraft in orbital experiments.

### Technical Specifications
- Classification: Technology demonstration spacecraft
- Operator: National Space Development Agency
- Country of origin: Japan
- Series: Kiku series of Japanese technology demonstration spacecraft
- Launch date: November 27, 1997, at 21:27
- Launch vehicle: H-II-6F (part of the H-II rocket family)
- Launch site: Yoshinobu Launch Complex Launch Pad 1
- COSPAR ID: 1997-074E
- NSSDCA ID: 1997-074E
- SCN number: 25424

### Mission Operations
- Primary purpose: Rendezvous and docking demonstration
- Served as target for the Kiku-7 Chaser spacecraft
- Mission period: November 1997 to October 2002
- Conducted technology demonstrations for autonomous space operations
- Demonstrated capabilities critical for future satellite servicing missions

### End of Mission
- Service retirement: October 30, 2002
- Orbital decay and atmospheric entry: November 13, 2015
- Total mission duration: Approximately 18 years
- Post-retirement orbital decay took over 13 years

### Alternative Names
- Engineering Test Satellite 7 Target
- ETS-7 Target
- ETS VII Target
- Orihime

## References

1. Jonathan's Space Report
2. [Source](https://nssdc.gsfc.nasa.gov/nmc/spacecraft/displayTrajectory.action?id=1997-074B)
3. [Source](http://robotics.jaxa.jp/project/ets7-HP/index_e.html)