Due to their small size and limited abilities, microsatellites will require a "mother ship" or carrier vehicle, which is a larger, fully-functional spacecraft able to transfer data and extend the life of and provide orbital movement for its smaller companion. More versatile mission performance and lower launch costs are the aim.

For example, should tactical contingencies suddenly require a microsatellite to quickly shift its orbit, the ability to shed a life extension module would improve the thrust-to-weight ratios of a microsatellite and enable swifter movement. Another scenario might involve independent microsatellites using a mother ship as a processing and communication platform that allows the microsatellite to get within tens of meters of a malfunctioning spacecraft and relay diagnostic information via the mother ship to earth. AFRL is building and demonstrating these new satellites under the XSS Series of Space Demonstrations. In conjunction with several NASA centers, missions are now underway that include inspection, rendezvous and docking, electrical data and power transfer, and technology demonstrations for proximity operations.

The first mission, dubbed XSS-10, will examine the mother ship/microsatellite relationship, use the proven Spartan Payload carrier as the mother ship and a 20 kilogram microsatellite, and control an autonomous space system in close proximity to another space object via onboard and ground command only.

The XSS-Series is a joint effort between AFRL and Goddard Space Flight Center, with support from the Johnson and Kennedy Space Centers. Two more missions are planned that will use technologies from Marshall Space Flight Center, Johnson Space Center, and the Jet Propulsion Laboratory and will be flown on microsatellites throughout the year 2000 and beyond.

The Air Force and NASA are partners for the next generation of space systems to address industrial, commercial, civilian, and certain defense-related applications for the next century.