# USA-165

> military satellite

**Wikidata**: [Q1537456](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q1537456)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/USA-165)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/usa-165

## Summary
USA-165, also known as XSS-11 (Experimental Satellite System 11), is a military satellite and technology demonstration spacecraft operated by the United States Air Force. Manufactured by Lockheed Martin, it was launched on April 11, 2005, aboard a Minotaur I rocket from Vandenberg Space Launch Complex 8. The spacecraft serves the purpose of demonstrating experimental technologies for military applications.

## Key Facts
*   **Official Designation:** USA-165 (also known as XSS-11 and Experimental Satellite System 11).
*   **Classification:** It is classified as both a military satellite and a technology demonstration spacecraft.
*   **Operator:** United States Air Force.
*   **Manufacturer:** Lockheed Martin.
*   **Launch Date:** April 11, 2005.
*   **Launch Vehicle:** Minotaur I.
*   **Launch Site:** Vandenberg Space Launch Complex 8.
*   **COSPAR ID:** 2005-011A.
*   **Satellite Catalog Number (SCN):** 28636.

## FAQs
### Q: What is the primary purpose of the USA-165 satellite?
A: USA-165 is a technology demonstration spacecraft designed to test and demonstrate experimental technologies in space for military purposes.

### Q: Who built and launched the USA-165?
A: The satellite was manufactured by Lockheed Martin and launched by the United States Air Force using a Minotaur I rocket.

### Q: When was USA-165 launched and from where?
A: It was launched on April 11, 2005, from the Vandenberg Space Launch Complex 8.

## Why It Matters
USA-165 represents a specific focus by the United States Air Force on advancing autonomous and experimental capabilities in space during the mid-2000s. As a "technology demonstration spacecraft," its significance lies in its role as a testbed for new military technologies, bridging the gap between theoretical research and operational deployment. The involvement of Lockheed Martin as the manufacturer highlights the collaboration between the US government and major defense contractors in developing sensitive space assets.

The choice of the Minotaur I as the launch vehicle is also notable, utilizing a combination of recycled and solid rocket motor stages, which reflects cost-effective and rapid-response space access strategies relevant to military operations. By demonstrating experimental technologies, USA-165 contributes to the broader understanding of satellite utility, maneuverability, and longevity, influencing the design of future military space systems.

## Notable For
*   **Dual Classification:** Being distinctively classified as both a military satellite and a technology demonstration spacecraft.
*   **Experimental Focus:** Its specific mission to demonstrate experimental technologies rather than serving a standard operational role (like pure communications or navigation).
*   **Launch Configuration:** Utilizing the Minotaur I space launch vehicle, a system derived from military technology.
*   **Corporate Manufacture:** Being a product of Lockheed Martin for the US military.

## Body
### Development and Classification
USA-165 is an artificial satellite utilized for military purposes, falling under the broader class of technology demonstration spacecraft. These types of spacecraft are specifically engineered to demonstrate experimental technologies in a space environment. The project was executed with the United States Air Force as the primary operator. The manufacturing contract was awarded to Lockheed Martin.

### Launch and Deployment
The spacecraft was successfully delivered to orbit via a significant rocket launch event on April 11, 2005.
*   **Launch Vehicle:** The vehicle used to propel the satellite was the Minotaur I, a four-stage space launch vehicle.
*   **Location:** The launch originated from Vandenberg Space Launch Complex 8.
*   **Trajectory:** The launch resulted in the successful deployment of the satellite into its intended orbital path.

### Identification and Records
The satellite is tracked and identified through several international cataloging systems:
*   **COSPAR International Designator:** 2005-011A.
*   **Satellite Catalog Number:** 28636.
*   **Aliases:** It is frequently referred to as XSS-11 and Experimental Satellite System 11.

## References

1. Jonathan's Space Report
2. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013