The Air Force Research Lab’s Space Vehicles Directorate at Kirtland AFB, N.M., has a video online showing the rendezvous of the experimental satellite system-11 (XSS-11) with its designated partner, a Minotaur I upper stage. This was not an up-close maneuver operation, but officials do say it takes them a step closer to developing the capability to send a spacecraft out to meet up with and repair another spacecraft. We offer the link to the news release with the video here, but don’t blame the messenger, if you are underwhelmed by the images—look closely.
The Air Force’s Hypersonic Attack Cruise Missile is behind schedule and may significantly overrun its expected cost, which could partially explain why the service is reviving the hypersonic AGM-183 Air-Launched Rapid-Response Weapon.