Imagery taken by XSS-11 micro satellite released (Forwarded)

Public Affairs
Air Force Research Laboratory
Kirtland AFB, New Mexico

Contact: Michael P. Kleiman
Phone: 505-846-4704

January 24, 2006

VS Release No. 06-04

Imagery taken by XSS-11 micro satellite released

Images of the Minotaur I upper stage shot by the experimental satellite
system-11 (XSS11) spacecraft during its recent rendezvous and proximity
operations with the resident space object have been publicly released.

The 220-pound microsatellite developed by the Air Force Research
Laboratory, Space Vehicles Directorate, Kirtland Air Force Base, N.M., has
approached its launch vehicle at various distances between 1.5 kilometers
and 500 meters.

Following lift off on April 11, 2005, the XSS-11 has been employed to
exhibit synergistic technologies and operations necessary to enable the
development of space systems required to meet Air Force Space Command's
future capabilities. These technologies and operational concepts, as well
as the lessons learned will be documented and transferred to the
operational community to facilitate development of future operational
concepts and systems.

Currently, the spacecraft had completed more than 75 natural motion
circumnavigations of the expended rocket body. During its projected 12 to
18-month flight, the spacecraft will conduct rendezvous and proximity
maneuvers with several US-owned, dead or inactive resident space objects
near its orbit, as well as will demonstrate more autonomy as the project
continues.

To view the images,
http://www.vs.afrl.af.mil/News/Video/0604.html