Status
Success
XSS-11
Launch Time
Mon Apr 11, 2005 13:35 UTC
Mon Apr 11, 2005 13:35 UTC
Rocket
Mission Details
XSS-11
USA-165 or XSS-11[1] (Experimental Satellite System-11) is a small, washing-machine-sized, low-cost spacecraft developed by the U.S. Air Force Research Laboratory’s Space Vehicles Directorate to test technology for proximity operations. In particular, the satellite was designed to demonstrate "autonomous rendezvous and proximity maneuvers." In other words, it would approach, investigate, and photograph other spacecraft in Earth orbit. It would help test the feasibility of in-space inspection and repair. The spacecraft was also designed to test systems that would allow the spacecraft to maneuver autonomously.
Payloads: 1
Total Mass: 100.0 kg
Low Earth Orbit
Location
SLC-8, Vandenberg SFB, California, USA
Stats
2005
11th orbital launch attempt
Minotaur I
3rd mission
1st mission of 2005
3rd successful mission