Japanese satellites to separate and redock

R_John@RMATSC.RIEM.COM
Tue, 7 Jul 1998 10:10:01 -0700

Just picked this up from CNN.  This sounds like ETS-7.
			Randy


TOKYO (Reuters) - In a first of its kind, two Japanese satellites are
set to engage in an experiment in which they will separate from one
another and then rejoin automatically, Japanese media said on Monday. 

The satellites, which were launched as one module last December, on
Tuesday will separate to a distance of around two meters before coming
together again. 

Although similar maneuvers have been conducted under the guidance of
astronauts, it will mark the first time it has ever been done
automatically - a technically delicate move considering the satellites
will be moving at a rate of seven kilometers a second, the National
Space Development Agency of Japan (NASDA) said in a statement. 

The two satellites have been given the names "Orihime" and "Hikoboshi"
in an allusion to a Japanese legend in which two celestial lovers can
cross the Milky Way and meet on July 7 every year.