# XSS 10

> micro-spacecraft developed by U.S. Air Force

**Wikidata**: [Q2597602](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q2597602)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/XSS-10)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/xss-10

## Summary
XSS-10 (Experimental Satellite System 10) is a micro-spacecraft developed by the United States Air Force to demonstrate experimental technologies. Manufactured by Boeing, this military satellite was launched on January 29, 2003, aboard a Delta II rocket from Cape Canaveral. It serves as a technology demonstration spacecraft designed for military purposes.

## Key Facts
- **Operator:** United States Air Force
- **Manufacturer:** Boeing
- **Launch Date:** January 29, 2003
- **Launch Vehicle:** Delta II (retired expendable launch system)
- **Launch Site:** Cape Canaveral Space Launch Complex 17
- **COSPAR ID:** 2003-005B
- **Satellite Catalog Number (SCN):** 27664
- **Classification:** Military satellite; Technology demonstration spacecraft
- **Aliases:** XSS-10, Experimental Satellite System 10

## FAQs
### Q: What is the primary purpose of the XSS-10?
A: The XSS-10 is a technology demonstration spacecraft developed for the U.S. Air Force. Its primary role is to demonstrate experimental technologies in space for military applications.

### Q: When and how was the XSS-10 launched?
A: The XSS-10 was launched on January 29, 2003. It was delivered into orbit using a Delta II rocket launched from Cape Canaveral Space Launch Complex 17.

### Q: Who built the XSS-10 satellite?
A: The XSS-10 was manufactured by Boeing, a major aerospace corporation, for the United States Air Force.

## Why It Matters
XSS-10 represents a specific evolution in United States military space capabilities, notably categorized as a "micro-spacecraft." Its development and deployment signal a strategic move towards smaller, more agile satellite platforms capable of testing experimental technologies in orbit. Unlike large, monolithic military satellites, micro-spacecraft like XSS-10 offer a more cost-effective and rapid method for validating new space-based technologies.

Launched in early 2003, the mission utilized the reliable Delta II launch system to deliver its payload from Cape Canaveral. The collaboration between the U.S. Air Force and manufacturer Boeing on this project highlights the integration of commercial aerospace expertise into defense-related space exploration. As a technology demonstrator, XSS-10 serves as a critical testbed, providing data that informs the development of future military satellite systems and operational doctrines.

## Notable For
- Being a **micro-spacecraft**: A smaller class of satellite distinct from standard heavy military assets.
- **Technology Demonstration**: Specifically designed to test experimental technologies rather than serve as a permanent operational asset.
- **Military Application**: Classified explicitly as a military satellite operated by the U.S. Air Force.
- **Delta II Launch**: Utilizing the historically significant Delta II expendable launch system.

## Body
### Development and Classification
The XSS-10, also known as Experimental Satellite System 10, is a micro-spacecraft classified as both a military satellite and a technology demonstration spacecraft. It was manufactured by Boeing and operates under the jurisdiction of the United States Air Force. The system is identified in Wolfram Language as Entity["Satellite", "27664"].

### Launch and Deployment
The satellite successfully launched on January 29, 2003. The launch took place at Cape Canaveral Space Launch Complex 17. The vehicle used to propel the spacecraft into orbit was the Delta II, a now-retired expendable launch system.

### Identifiers and Records
The XSS-10 is tracked under the COSPAR ID 2003-005B and the Satellite Catalog Number (SCN) 27664. It is referenced in multiple language editions of Wikipedia, including German, English, French, and Hebrew, and has an associated image file hosted on Wikimedia Commons.

## References

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