The successful release, tracking, and capture of the satellites without help from the ground was a first in space history. Previous automatic docking activities, such as those conducted with Russian Soyuz and Progress spacecraft, have used either operator assistance or ground control computers. The United States has not conducted a robotic docking in space.

Two additional repeats of the grapple had to be canceled when a malfunction occurred in the ground system of the U.S. tracking data satellite being used by Japan at the time of the space test. Officials also later reported that after latching Orhime in place, the satellites angle had shifted, making a recapture difficult had it been attempted.

Japan is developing the capability to conduct robotic and automated rendezvous and docking of satellites for future missions of advanced spacecraft. Such craft will be used to recover and repair satellites, replace cargoes, and refuel spacecraft. A robotic system is also to be used by Japan to move about payloads on its module as part of the International Space Station. An unpressurized pallet will be constructed on the outside of the Japanese module for the storage of experiments and equipment.