Launch Success
Liftoff Time (GMT)
13:35:00
Monday April 11, 2005
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.
Low Earth Orbit
1 Payload
100 kilograms
Agency
NorthropPrice
$40.00 million
Rocket
Height: 19.21m
Payload to Orbit
LEO: 580 kg
Liftoff Thrust
935 Kilonewtons
Fairing
Diameter: 1.27m
Height: 3.79m
Stages
4
3rd
Mission
1st
Mission of 2005
11th
Orbital launch attempt