It Could Also Save Money

It might resemble the common household appliance, but the Air Force Research Laboratory's new satellite is no $82 million flying dishwasher. In fact, it could be the latest technology NASA could use to save money -- something that's definitely of interest to the space agency right now.

The XSS-11 program, currently underway at the Albuquerque, NM facility, is working on development of a satellite capable of maneuvering around other satellites while in orbit, according to its inventor scientist and engineer Harold "Vernon" Baker. It could also fly up to the space shuttle, if necessary, or another orbiting vehicle to take photographs of problem areas or damage.

"With the shuttle problems, there's a lot of interest in the technology," said Baker recently to the Albuquerque Tribune.

Future roles for the XSS-11 might also include refueling or repairing vehicles and facilities in orbit -- roles once believed to be limited to human capabilities.

The satellite's first mission, launched last April, has gone extremely well according to Baker. In fact, the original year-long mission timeframe has been extended to 18 months due to the satellite's unexpected fuel efficiency.

So far, controllers have tested the satellites systems -- and its maneuverability -- on US-owned dead or inactive satellites in low Earth orbit.

While it's conceivable such technology could be used to repair orbiting vehicles, those satellites would have to be designed to allow for the possibility, said Lt. Col. Bruce Anderson, based at Massachusetts Hanscom Research Site.

"Generally, when you attach something to a satellite, you don't intend for it to ever be removed," said Anderson.

Nevertheless, preliminary results are encouraging, and several possible uses for future versions are under consideration -- including NASA, commercial, and military applications. The satellite could also reduce dependence on manned flights, with future roles being considered for the XSS-11 including a repair mission to the Hubble Space Telescope.

Perhaps most encouraging, however -- especially to cash-strapped NASA -- is that so far, the XSS-11 has met all expectations while remaining on-schedule and on-budget.

"It's a next-generation thing, defining what's possible," Anderson told the Tribune, adding the XSS-11 is a "crown jewel" of the Air Force.

FMI: www.vs.afrl.af.mil