Satellite Animations

LCRD deploys and points toward Earth || lcup102002102_print.jpg (1024x576) [186.6 KB] || lcup1020_web.png (320x180) [102.3 KB] || lcup1020_thm.png (80x40) [6.4 KB] || LCRD-uptoearth (1280x720) [64.0 KB] || LCRD-UpToEarth-final.mov (1280x720) [928.8 MB] || LCRD-UpToEarth-final.webmhd.webm (960x540) [13.3 MB] ||

The most recent evaluations of NASA's Tracking and Data Relay Satellite (TDRS) project confirmed all systems go for TDRS-K, a third generation upgrade of the orbiting communications network. TDRS-K is scheduled for launch aboard an Atlas V rocket from Cape Canaveral, Florida during the 2012 holiday season. ||

NASA is preparing to launch the first in a series of three third generation advanced Tracking and Data Relay Satellites, known as TDRS-K. This latest addition to the fleet of seven will augment a space communications network that provides the critical path for high data-rate communication to the International Space Station, Hubble Space Telescope, past shuttle missions and a host of other spacecraft. It has been 10 years since NASA last launched a TDRS. This launch is the beginning of a welcome replenishment to the space network, which has served numerous national and international space missions since 1983. ||