XSS-10

{{short description|Micro-spacecraft developed by U.S. Air Force}}

{{Infobox spaceflight

| name = XSS-10

| image = XSS-10.png

| image_caption = XSS-10 computer model

| mission_type = Technology

| operator = AFRL

| website =

| COSPAR_ID = 2003-005B

| SATCAT =

| mission_duration =

| spacecraft_bus =

| manufacturer = Boeing

| dry_mass =

| launch_mass = {{convert|28|kg|lb}}

| power =

| launch_date = {{start-date|January 29, 2003, 18:06:00|timezone=yes}} UTC

| launch_rocket = Delta II 7925-9.5 (Delta 295)

| launch_site = Cape Canaveral SLC-17B

| launch_contractor =

| disposal_type =

| deactivated =

| last_contact =

| decay_date =

| orbit_epoch = 29 January 2003, 13:06:00 UTC{{Cite web|url=https://nssdc.gsfc.nasa.gov/nmc/spacecraft/display.action?id=2003-005B|title=NASA - NSSDCA - Spacecraft - Trajectory Details|website=nssdc.gsfc.nasa.gov|access-date=2018-05-02}}

| orbit_reference = Geocentric

| orbit_regime = Low Earth

| orbit_periapsis = {{convert|518.0|km|mi|sp=us}}

| orbit_apoapsis = {{convert|805.0|km|mi|sp=us}}

| orbit_inclination = 39.75 degrees

| orbit_eccentricity = 0.020384971

| orbit_period = 98.0 minutes

| apsis = gee

}}

XSS-10 (eXperimental Small Satellite 10) was a small, low-cost micro-spacecraft developed by the U.S. Air Force Research Laboratory's Space Vehicles Directorate to test technology for line-of-sight guidance of spacecraft.{{cite web|url=http://www.space.com/missionlaunches/xss10_update_030130.html |title=Air Force XSS-10 Micro-Satellite Mission a Success |date=2003-01-30 |access-date=2008-07-28 |publisher=Space.com |last=Banke |first=Jim |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080513053117/http://www.space.com/missionlaunches/xss10_update_030130.html |archive-date=May 13, 2008 }} The project was initiated at AFRL by Program Manager David Barnhart{{Cite conference |last=Barnhart |first=David A. |last2=Hunter |first2=Roger C. |last3=Weston |first3=Alan R. |last4=Chioma |first4=Vincent J. |last5=Steiner |first5=Mark |last6=Larsen |first6=William |date=October 1998 |title=XSS-10 micro-satellite demonstration |url= |conference=AIAA Defense and Civil Space Programs Conference and Exhibit |location=Huntsville, AL |publisher=American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics |doi=10.2514/6.1998-5298 |id=AIAA 1998-5298}} and completed by Georgia Tech Research Institute engineer Thom Davis and team.{{cite web|url=http://www.gtri.gatech.edu/history/innovations/big-plans-small-satellites|title=Big plans for small satellites|work=Historical archive|publisher=Georgia Tech Research Institute|access-date=2012-10-26}} The project was declared a success shortly after launch.{{cite news|url=http://gtresearchnews.gatech.edu/reshor/rh-ss03/sp-xss.html|title=The Little Engine That Could|first=Jane M|last=Sanders|work=Research Horizons|publisher=Georgia Institute of Technology|date=2003-08-11|access-date=2012-10-26}}

File:Delta-II Stage2 XSS-10.jpg launch vehicle imaged by the XSS-10 satellite]]

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