http://www.vs.afrl.af.mil/News/05-22.pdf
Cutting edge micro satellite achieves milestones Space Vehicles
Directorate’s Experimental Satellite System11 performs several
rendezvous and proximity operations with launch vehicle upper stage
A 220pound micro satellite developed by the Air Force Research
Laboratory, Space Vehicles Directorate, Kirtland Air Force Base, N.M.,
recently accomplished significant mission milestones by rendezvousing
three to fours times with the upper stage of the Minotaur I launch
vehicle at distances between 1.5 kilometers and 500 meters.
The Air Force has employed the Experimental Satellite System11, commonly
referred to as XSS11, to investigate a variety of prospective space
applications including servicing, repair, and resupply.
“XSS11 is demonstration in space rendezvous and proximity operations,”
said Harold “Vernon” Baker, XSS11 program manager. “The spacecraft also
has an onboard rendezvous and proximity operations planner in the
avionics to aid in developing autonomous operations for future concepts
and missions.”
Launched in April 2005 from Vandenberg Air Force Base, Calif., XSS11 has
also completed more than 75 natural motion circumnavigations of the
expended rocket body. During its projected 12 to 18month flight, the
spacecraft will conduct rendezvous and proximity maneuvers with several
U.S.ownded dead or inactive resident space objects near its orbit, as
well as will demonstrate more autonomy as the project continues.
“The micro satellite is performing better than expected,” Baker said.
“Fuel consumption and efficiency is good, and we expect to be
operational for another year. In addition, we have had no significant
technical glitches and no major anomalies.”
Managing and monitoring the micro satellite’s progress has been the
focus of the flight control team comprised of personnel from both the
Space Vehicles Directorate, as well as the Space and Missile Systems
Center’s Detachment 12, also located at Kirtland AFB. Staffing, however,
has been reduced from 30 to 15 due to the spacecraft’s flawless
performance, and another decrease is expected in the future as the micro
satellite’s demonstration in autonomy advances.
With a projected cost of $82 million, the XSS11 program has planned an
aggressive, event driven flight, which could ultimately enhance the Air
Force Space Command’s possible prospective mission of space servicing
and maintenance, as well as space support and efficient operations. In
addition, due to its innovative autonomous flight, the XSS11 mission may
reduce the number of personnel and the amount of equipment needed to
operate future space missions.
“The micro satellite will remain in a systems functional test for the
next month or two, as we are still checking out the spacecraft’s various
components,” the XSS11 program manager said. “The whole part of this
mission is to be safe. If we hit the resident space object, we fail.”
Because of the XSS11’s groundbreaking flight, several national media
organizations, including Popular Mechanics, MSNBC.com, and Space.com
have published articles about the micro satellite. Likewise, the
December 2005 issue of Popular Science will also feature a story on the
spacecraft’s unique mission.
“To date, most other rendezvous experiments have been designed primarily
for the purpose of docking and repair missions. They relied heavily on
the other object having guidance and navigation aids, as well as docking
mechanisms,” Baker said. “XSS11 does not rely on navigation aids from
the other resident space objects or docking mechanisms.”
The XSS11 project represents a partnership between DOD and industry. For
example, Jackson and Tull, Albuquerque, NM, provided technical support
to the program office in design, build, integration, test, and launch
activities as well as continued support for ongoing mission operations.
Lockheed Martin Astronautics, Waterton, Colo., served as the
spacecraft’s contractor for structure, propulsion, and system support.
In addition, other private sector companies participating in the program
included Broad Reach Engineering, Tempe, Ariz.; Octant Technologies,
San Jose, Calif.; Draper Laboratory, Cambridge, Mass.; and SAIC, San
Diego, Calif. Another key XSS11 player has been the Air Force’s Space
Test Program administered by SMC, Det. 12, which has provided launch, as
well as onorbit command and control oversight.
In the coming weeks and months, the micro satellite will continue its
rendezvous and proximity mission, but the next event date and
participating resident space object will determined at a later date
based on schedule and which U.S owned dead or inactive object best meets
the mission requirements. Nevertheless, the XSS11’s accomplishments in
its initial months of flight have laid the groundwork for future
success.
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