NSSDCA/COSPAR ID: 2005-011A
XSS-11 (eXperimental Satellite System 11) is an American military (AFRL) microsatellite that was launched by a Minotaur rocket, a modified Minuteman 2 ICBM, from Vandenberg AFB at 13:35 UT on 11 April 2005. The 100 kg satellite is equipped with sensors to seek out and make close rendezvous with several rocket bodies and dead spacecraft that are still in orbit. It will approach each such object as closely as 2.5 km to examine and image it, making sure that it will never collide. It will be under the control of ground crews, except when it can be confidently allowed to move autonomously. The rendezvous exercise with the several objects will continue during the mission life of 12 to 18 months. This experimental model carries no projectiles.
Launch Date: 2005-04-11
Launch Vehicle: Minotaur 1
Launch Site: Vandenberg AFB, United States
Questions and comments about this spacecraft can be directed to: Coordinated Request and User Support Office