Abstract: A space vehicle includes an attachment system for attaching the vehicle to another space vehicle, a memory for storing data concerning the status of the other space vehicle and threats experienced by the other space vehicle, and a transmission system for transmitting data stored in the memory to a planet or a different space vehicle. An ejection system enables the secondary vehicle to be ejected from the primary vehicle when predetermined criteria concerning the status data or the threat data are met. A spin system causes the secondary vehicle to be spin stabilized when ejected from the primary vehicle. When the secondary vehicle is ejected, the nature of the threat or status of the primary vehicle can be determined.

Abstract: A space vehicle including an attachment system for attaching the vehicle to another space vehicle, a memory for storing data concerning at least one of the status of the other space vehicle and threats experienced by the other space vehicle, and a transmission system for transmitting data stored in the memory to at least one of a planet or a different space vehicle. An ejection system causes the secondary vehicle to be ejected from the primary vehicle when predetermined criteria concerning the status data or the said threat data are met. A spin system causes the secondary vehicle to be spin stabilized when ejected from the primary vehicle. The vehicle serves as, at least, one of a plurality of secondary vehicles, attached to the other (primary) vehicle. In accordance with the method of the invention, when the secondary vehicle is ejected the nature of the threat or status of the primary vehicle can be determined.