Home » Techs Prepare Data Relay Satellite For Jan. 23 Launch

Techs Prepare Data Relay Satellite For Jan. 23 Launch

By  //  December 20, 2013

payload fairing TO begin JAN. 2 AT Astrotech

Started in the early 1970's, the Tracking and Data Relay Satellite (TDRS) comprises the space segment of the Space Network. NASA Goddard Space Flight Center manages the development and operations of the TDRS satellites. The current Tracking and Data Relay Satellite configuration consists of eight in-orbit satellites (four first generation, three second generation and one third generation satellites) distributed to provide near continuous information relay service to missions like the Hubble Space Telescope, the Space Shuttle and the International Space Station. (NASA image)
Started in the early 1970’s, the Tracking and Data Relay Satellite (TDRS) comprises the space segment of the Space Network. NASA Goddard Space Flight Center manages the development and operations of the TDRS satellites.
The current Tracking and Data Relay Satellite configuration consists of eight in-orbit satellites (four first generation, three second generation and one third generation satellites) distributed to provide near continuous information relay service to missions like the Hubble Space Telescope, the Space Shuttle and the International Space Station. (NASA image)

BREVARD COUNTY, FLORIDA – Technicians are loading monomethylhydrazine fuel into the Tracking and Data Relay Satellite L (TDRS-L) spacecraft today.

Astrotech Space Operations processing facility in Titusville, Florida. (ASO image)
Astrotech Space Operations processing facility in Titusville, Florida. (ASO image)

This concludes the propellant loading operations that have been under way this week at the Astrotech facility in Titusville, Fla.

Payload test team members from The Boeing Company and NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center will secure TDRS-L so that next week they can return home for the holidays.

Work to prepare TDRS-L for encapsulation into the United Launch Alliance Atlas V payload fairing will begin when operations resume at Astrotech on Jan. 2.

LIFTOFF SET FROM CAPE CANAVERAL AIR FORCE STATION

Liftoff is targeted for the opening of a 40-minute launch window at 9:05 p.m. EST Jan. 23 from Space Launch Complex 41 at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida.

TDRS-L will join NASA’s network of satellites to relay communications between the agency’s Earth-orbiting spacecraft including the International Space Station, Hubble Space Telescope and a number of Earth-orbiting observatories.