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#20 by AnalogMan on 12 Dec, 2012 23:05
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NASA Hosts Social Media Event at TDRS-K Launch in Florida
RELEASE : 12-431 Dec. 12, 2012
WASHINGTON -- NASA will give 70 of its social media followers an insider's look at America's space program and the opportunity to see a launch in-person. The NASA Social, scheduled for Jan. 28-29 to coincide with the launch of NASA's Tracking and Data Relay Satellite-K (TDRS-K), will be held at the agency's Kennedy Space Center in Florida.
NASA Socials are in-person meetings with people who engage with the agency through Twitter, Facebook, Google+ and other social networks.
TDRS-K is targeted to launch at 8:52 p.m. EST Jan. 29 on a United Launch Alliance Atlas V rocket.
Registration for the NASA Social opens at 3 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 13, and closes at 3 p.m. Wednesday, Dec.19. Participants will be selected from online registrations. Because portions of this event may take place in restricted areas, registration is limited to U.S. citizens.
Participants will have unique behind the scenes experiences with NASA, which they are encouraged to share with others through their favorite social networks. Guests will view the launch, tour facilities at Kennedy, speak with representatives from NASA and the Space Communications and Navigation (SCaN) Office, visit the Atlas V launch pad, and meet fellow space enthusiasts who are active on social media and members of NASA's social media team.
The Tracking and Data Relay Satellite System is a space-based communication system used to provide tracking, telemetry, command, and high bandwidth data return services to its many customers. A major component of the system is the spacecraft itself, TDRS. Currently, there are 7 operational satellites that provide in-flight communications with spacecraft operating in low-Earth orbit. Aboard each satellite are multiple antennae that send and receive signals both to and from the ground to multiple satellites simultaneously. As a result, TDRS provides a wide variety of services to meet customers' needs and demands.
For more information on the NASA Social and to register, visit:
http://www.nasa.gov/social
To find all the ways to connect and collaborate with NASA, visit:
http://www.nasa.gov/connect
To learn more about TDRS, visit:
http://www.nasa.gov/tdrs -
#21 by russianhalo117 on 13 Dec, 2012 04:17
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As a military dependent whose father pilots C-5A/C aircraft he is positively sure that C-5As are to be converted to C-5Ms albeit with some with restrictions added on top but they are still considered an irreplaceable asset at this time although there has been talk amongst his wing that C-5As converted to C-5M will eventually be replaced one for one with a next Gen version of C-5M variant in the early 2020. C-5A's graveyard date is to be scheduled in 2013 Legislative session. The previous defense budget requires a 1:1 replacement ratio when the aircraft start retiring.
Nope not the plan anymore since DoD received funding to convert all remaining C-5A,B,C aircraft to C-5M version.Are there any civilian US transport 'planes that could do the job instead of the An-124? I'm not sure if the 747F has a tall enough cabin.
Possibly C-5M
Civilian version (L-500) was planned but never sold. I don't think there are any C-5s outside the military.
I believe all the C-5As are being retired due to age and flight hours. Only the -B and the 2 -C models (which might be -As but are critical because they were modified to carry select satellites--primarily intelligence plus Hubble) will be upgraded to -M status.
That is all I know to date. -
#22 by Targeteer on 14 Dec, 2012 23:03
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http://www.airforce-technology.com/projects/c5/
"In February 2008, the USAF approved the upgrade under the C-5 RERP for 49 additional aircraft – 47 C-5Bs used for intra-theatre lift and two C-5Cs used for support of the US space programme. C-5A aircraft are being upgraded under the AMP but are not scheduled to receive the RERP upgrade." -
#23 by AnalogMan on 18 Dec, 2012 14:13
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TDRS-K Satellite Arrives at Kennedy
Tue, 18 Dec 2012 02:51:33 PM UTC
NASA's newest Tracking and Data Relay Satellite, referred to as TDRS-K, arrived at 8:29 a.m. today at the agency's Kennedy Space Center in Florida in preparation for a Jan. 29 launch to a location in geostationary orbit. TDRS-K flew aboard a U.S. Air Force C-17 from the Boeing Space and Intelligence Systems assembly facility in El Segundo, Calif., for final preparation to launch aboard a United Launch Alliance Atlas V rocket.
http://www.nasa.gov/centers/kennedy/launchingrockets/rss_feed_collex_archive_1.html -
#24 by jacqmans on 18 Dec, 2012 18:30
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RELEASE: 12-439
NASA'S NEXT-GENERATION COMMUNICATIONS SATELLITE ARRIVES AT KENNEDY
CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- NASA's newest Tracking and Data Relay
Satellite, known as TDRS-K, arrived Tuesday at the agency's Kennedy
Space Center in Florida in preparation for a Jan. 29 launch. TDRS-K
arrived aboard a U.S. Air Force C-17 from the Boeing Space and
Intelligence Systems assembly facility in El Segundo, Calif.
For almost 30 years, the TDRS spacecraft have provided a reliable
communications network for NASA, serving numerous national and
international space missions. The TDRS fleet is a space-based
communication system used to provide tracking, telemetry, command,
and high bandwidth data return services. The satellites provide
in-flight communications with spacecraft operating in low-Earth
orbit. It has been 10 years since NASA's last TDRS launch.
"This launch will provide even greater capabilities to a network that
has become key to enabling many of NASA's scientific discoveries,"
says Jeffrey Gramling, project manager for TDRS at NASA's Goddard
Space Flight Center in Greenbelt, Md.
TDRS-K will launch to geostationary orbit aboard an Atlas V rocket.
The spacecraft is the first of three next-generation satellites
designed to ensure vital operational continuity for NASA by expanding
the lifespan of the fleet. The launch of TDRS-L is scheduled for 2014
and TDRS-M in 2015.
Each of the new satellites has a higher performance solar panel design
to provide more spacecraft power. This upgrade will return signal
processing for the S-Band multiple access service to the ground --
the same as the first-generation TDRS spacecraft. Ground-based
processing allows TDRS to service more customers with different and
evolving communication requirements.
The TDRS fleet began operating during the space shuttle era and
provides critical communication support from several locations in
geostationary orbit to NASA's human spaceflight endeavors, including
the International Space Station. The fleet also provides
communications support to an array of science missions, as well as
various types of launch vehicles. Of the nine TDRS satellites
launched, seven are still operational, although four are already
beyond their design life. Two have been retired. The second TDRS was
lost in 1986 during the space shuttle Challenger accident.
NASA's Space Communications and Navigation Program, part of the Human
Exploration and Operations Mission Directorate at the agency's
Headquarters in Washington, is responsible for the TDRS network.
NASA's Launch Services Program at Kennedy is responsible for launch
management. United Launch Alliance provides the Atlas V rocket launch
service.
To join the online conversation about TDRS on Twitter, follow the
hashtag #TDRS. To learn more about all the ways to connect and
collaborate with NASA, visit:
http://www.nasa.gov/connect
For more information about TDRS, visit:
http://tdrs.gsfc.nasa.gov/
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#25 by Ronsmytheiii on 18 Dec, 2012 22:23
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#26 by catdlr on 27 Dec, 2012 02:27
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TDRS: Communicating Critical Data
Published on Dec 26, 2012
As a vital information pipeline for space-based research and exploration ambitions, the TDRS constellation fulfills NASA's broadest communication demands. Now into it's fourth operational decade, the TDRS legacy continues to be communications excellence. The addition of the third generation of spacecraft will replenish the constellation and ensure that the critical lifeline of space-to-ground communication support will be available for many years to come.
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#27 by jacqmans on 02 Jan, 2013 19:38
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From KSC facebook page:
Preparations are under way to begin the build-up of the Atlas V 401 rocket for NASA’s TDRS-K At Launch Complex 41 at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida. The Atlas V booster stage will be hoisted into position in the Vertical Integration Facility near the pad Thursday and the Centaur upper stage will be hoisted atop the booster Friday. Meanwhile, at the Astrotech payload processing facility located near Kennedy Space Center, work to prepare TDRS-K for launch is going well. Electrical testing of the spacecraft is complete and fueling of the satellite is scheduled to occur this weekend. Liftoff is scheduled for Jan. 29 at 8:52 p.m. EST. -
#28 by cygnusx112 on 03 Jan, 2013 00:51
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Does anyone know how much extra time is available to work any issues and keep the launch on schedule? Also how long will the range be available? Thanks!
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#29 by Jim on 03 Jan, 2013 00:58
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Does anyone know how much extra time is available to work any issues and keep the launch on schedule? Also how long will the range be available? Thanks!
All weekends are available and they will get the standard two days on the range. -
#30 by Ronsmytheiii on 04 Jan, 2013 01:58
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I dont know why the KSC media page has not posted any pictures, but the CCB for TDRSS-K has been stacked at the VIF.
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#31 by AnalogMan on 06 Jan, 2013 18:23
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Update from Friday.
TDRS-K and Atlas V Preparations Continue Toward Jan. 29 Launch
Fri, 04 Jan 2013 09:52:29 PM UTC
At the Astrotech payload processing facility near Kennedy Space Center, prelaunch preparations continue to go well on NASA's Tracking and Data Relay Satellite (TDRS-K). Charging of the spacecraft's battery has been completed and preparations to fuel the satellite with its attitude control propellant have begun. The fueling operation is scheduled to start Sunday and conclude Tuesday. Meanwhile, at Launch Complex 41 on Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, the Centaur upper stage was unable to be hoisted atop the Atlas V booster stage today due to weather. This activity has been rescheduled for Saturday, weather permitting.
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#32 by AnalogMan on 08 Jan, 2013 17:44
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Techs Complete Fueling of TDRS-K Spacecraft
Tue, 08 Jan 2013 05:12:36 PM UTC
Technicians finished fueling the TDRS-K spacecraft today inside the Astrotech payload processing facility near Kennedy Space Center as processing operations move ahead for a Jan. 29 launch of the satellite. The spacecraft will be connected to an Atlas V payload adapter next week before it is encapsulated inside a fairing or nosecone. The Atlas V rocket that will loft the satellite into an orbit 22,300 miles above Earth is also taking shape as launch day nears. The Centaur upper stage was placed atop the booster stage during the weekend. Workers are testing the United Launch Alliance rocket's various systems. -
#33 by jacqmans on 08 Jan, 2013 19:55
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MEDIA ADVISORY: M13-007
NASA OFFERS NEWS MEDIA ACCESS TO TDRS-K SPACECRAFT JAN. 11
CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- NASA's Tracking and Data Relay Satellite-K
(TDRS-K), set to launch this month, will be the focus of a media
opportunity at 10 a.m. EST Friday, Jan. 11, at the Astrotech Space
Operations facility in Titusville, Fla. Media representatives will be
able to photograph the TDRS-K spacecraft and interview project and
launch program officials.
The spacecraft is the first of three next generation satellites
designed to ensure vital operational continuity for NASA by expanding
the lifespan of the fleet, which consists of 7 satellites in
geostationary orbit. The spacecraft provide tracking, telemetry,
command, and high bandwidth data return services for numerous science
and human exploration missions orbiting Earth. These include NASA's
Hubble Space Telescope and the International Space Station. TDRS-K
has a high-performance solar panel designed for more spacecraft power
to meet the growing S-band communications requirements.
Spokespersons representing NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center in
Greenbelt, Md.; the Launch Services Program at the agency's Kennedy
Space Center in Florida; and United Space Alliance will be available
for questions and interviews.
Full clean room attire must be worn and will be furnished. Journalists
should not wear perfume, cologne or makeup. Long pants and closed-toe
shoes must be worn. No shorts or skirts will be permitted.
Contamination control specialists may identify some camera equipment
to be cleaned before taken into the high bay facility. Alcohol wipes
will be provided. All camera equipment must be self-contained and no
portable lights can be allowed. Flash photography will not be
permitted; however, the facility has adequate metal halide lighting
for pictures. Wireless microphones also are prohibited inside the
high bay.
On Jan. 11, U.S. news media representatives may proceed directly to
Astrotech, which is located in the Spaceport Florida Industrial Park,
1515 Chaffee Drive, Titusville. Access will be available starting at
9:45 a.m., and the event will begin at 10 a.m.
Only news media who are United States citizens may attend this event.
A government issued photo identification, such as a driver's license
or permanently-issued NASA news media accreditation badge from
Kennedy will be acceptable. In addition, proof of U.S. citizenship
such as a passport or birth certificate also is required.
TDRS-K is scheduled to liftoff aboard an Atlas V 401 rocket from Cape
Canaveral Air Force Station on Jan. 29 in a launch window that
extends from 8:52 to 9:32 p.m. EST.
Boeing Space and Intelligence Systems in El Segundo, Calif., built the
TDRS-K. NASA's Space Communications and Navigation Program, part of
the Human Exploration and Operations Mission Directorate at NASA
Headquarters in Washington, is responsible for the TDRS network.
NASA's Launch Services Program at Kennedy is responsible for launch
management. United Launch Alliance provides the Atlas V rocket and
launch service.
Media representatives should call Kennedy's media update phone line at
321-867-2525 on Thursday evening to confirm the event is on schedule.
For more information about TDRS-K, visit:
http://www.nasa.gov/tdrs
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#34 by jacqmans on 09 Jan, 2013 18:22
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MEDIA ADVISORY: M13-009
NASA MEDIA ACCREDITATION NOW OPEN FOR TDRS-K LAUNCH
CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- NASA's Tracking and Data Relay Satellite-K
(TDRS-K) launch media accreditation now is open. Liftoff will be
aboard an Atlas V rocket from Space Launch Complex 41 at Cape
Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida. Liftoff is targeted for
Tuesday, Jan. 29, at 8:52 p.m. EST at the opening of a 40-minute
launch window.
International media without U.S. citizenship must apply for
credentials to cover the prelaunch and launch activities by noon on
Thursday, Jan. 17. For U.S. media, the deadline to apply is 4 p.m. on
Wednesday, Jan. 23.
All media accreditation requests need to be submitted online at:
https://media.ksc.nasa.gov
For questions about accreditation or additional information, contact
Jennifer Horner at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida at
321-867-6598.
TDRS-K is the first of three next-generation satellites designed to
ensure vital operational continuity for NASA by expanding the
lifespan of the fleet, which consists of 7 satellites in
geostationary orbit. The spacecraft provide tracking, telemetry,
command and high bandwidth data return services for numerous science
and human exploration missions orbiting Earth. These include NASA's
Hubble Space Telescope and the International Space Station. TDRS-K
has a high-performance solar panel designed for more spacecraft power
to meet the growing S-band communications requirements.
Boeing Space and Intelligence Systems in El Segundo, Calif., built
TDRS-K. NASA's Space Communications and Navigation Program, part of
the Human Exploration and Operations Mission Directorate at NASA
Headquarters in Washington, is responsible for the TDRS network.
NASA's Launch Services Program at Kennedy is responsible for launch
management. United Launch Alliance provides the Atlas V rocket and
launch service.
For more information about the mission, visit:
http://www.nasa.gov/tdrs
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#35 by jacqmans on 10 Jan, 2013 14:08
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http://mediaarchive.ksc.nasa.gov/search.cfm?cat=266
KSC-2013-1028 (01/03/2013) --- CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- At Cape Canaveral Air Force Station's Space Launch Complex 41 in Florida, operations are underway to erect the first stage of the Atlas V rocket that will carry the Tracking and Data Relay Satellite, TDRS-K, into orbit. Launch of the TDRS-K on the Atlas V rocket is planned for January 29, 2013. The TDRS-K spacecraft is part of the next-generation series in the Tracking and Data Relay Satellite System, a constellation of space-based communication satellites providing tracking, telemetry, command and high-bandwidth data return services. For more information, visit http://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/tdrs/index.html Photo credit: NASA/ Ben Smegelsky
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#36 by jacqmans on 10 Jan, 2013 20:41
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From KSC facebook page:
At Cape Canaveral Air Force Station's Space Launch Complex 41, United Launch Alliance technicians support operations to mate the Centaur stage to the Atlas V rocket that will carry the Tracking and Data Relay Satellite, TDRS-K, into orbit.
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#37 by jacqmans on 11 Jan, 2013 19:34
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MEDIA ADVISORY: M01-13
NASA SETS TDRS-K/ATLAS V LAUNCH EVENTS COVERAGE
CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- News conferences, events and operating hours
for the news center at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida are set
for the launch of Tracking and Data Relay Satellite-K, or TDRS-K,
aboard a United Launch Alliance Atlas V 401 rocket Jan. 29. The
40-minute launch window extends from 8:52 to 9:32 p.m. EST. Liftoff
will occur from Space Launch Complex 41 at Cape Canaveral Air Force
Station in Florida.
Launch commentary coverage, as well as prelaunch media briefings, will
be carried live on NASA Television and the agency's website.
TDRS-K is the first of three next-generation satellites designed to
ensure vital operational continuity for NASA. Each of the new
satellites has a higher performance solar panel design for more
spacecraft power to meet the growing S-band communications
requirements. The TDRS system provides critical support from several
locations in geostationary orbit for an array of science and human
exploration missions orbiting Earth. These include the Hubble Space
Telescope and the International Space Station.
Prelaunch News Conference
A prelaunch news conference on NASA TV will be held at NASA Kennedy
Space Center's Press Site at 1 p.m. Monday, Jan. 28.
Briefing participants are:
-- Badri Younes, deputy associate administrator, Space Communications
and Navigation (SCaN)
NASA Human Exploration and Operations Mission Directorate, Washington
-- Tim Dunn, NASA launch director
Kennedy Space Center, Fla.
-- Vernon Thorp, program manager, NASA Missions
United Launch Alliance, Denver, Colo.
-- Jeffrey Gramling, NASA TDRS-K project manager
Goddard Space Flight Center, Greenbelt, Md.
-- Joel Tumbiolo, launch weather officer, 45th Weather Squadron
Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, Fla.
Accreditation and Media Access Badges for Kennedy Space Center
Media who want to cover the TDRS-K prelaunch news conference and the
launch must apply for credentials at:
https://media.ksc.nasa.gov
Accreditation requests by foreign media must be received by noon on
Jan. 17. U.S. media request must be received by 4 p.m. on Jan. 23.
Media may obtain their access badge at the Gate 2 Pass and
Identification Building for the news media on State Road 3. Two forms
of government-issued identification, one with a photo, will be
required in order to receive a badge to cover the prelaunch news
conference, the Atlas V launch vehicle rollout to the pad and the
launch. For further information about accreditation, contact Jennifer
Horner at 321-867-6598 or 321-867-2468.
The press accreditation office (PIDS) for the news media on State Road
3 will be open on Jan. 28 between 7:30 a.m. and 3 p.m. On Jan. 29,
the hours are from 7:30 a.m. until noon and from 5 p.m. until 8 p.m.
Atlas V Launch Vehicle Rollout
Monday, Jan. 28: There will be a media opportunity to observe rollout
of the Atlas V rocket from the Vertical Integration Facility to the
launch pad. Media should be at Kennedy's Press Site at 9 a.m. for
transportation to the viewing location near Space Launch Complex 41.
Remote Camera Placement at Space Launch Complex 41
Monday, Jan. 28: Photographers who wish to set up remote
sound-activated cameras at the Atlas V launch pad will be transported
to Space Launch Complex 41 after the prelaunch news conference. Media
should meet in the Kennedy Press Site parking lot at 2 p.m.
Launch Day Press Site Access
Tuesday, Aug. 29: Media will cover the TDRS-K launch from Kennedy's
Press Site. Access will be through Gate 3 on State Road 405, east of
Kennedy's visitor complex and through Gate 2 on State Road 3.
Kennedy News Center Hours
Monday, Jan. 28: 8 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Tuesday, Jan. 29: 8 a.m. - 11:30 p.m.
NASA Television Coverage
On Monday, Jan. 28, NASA Television will carry the TDRS-K prelaunch
news conference and mission science briefing live beginning at 1 p.m.
EST.
On Tuesday, Jan. 29, NASA Television coverage of the launch will begin
at 6:15 p.m. and conclude after the TDRS-K spacecraft has separated
from the Atlas V, which occurs one hour, forty-six minutes after
launch. Live launch coverage will be carried on all NASA Television
channels.
A post-launch news conference will not be held. A post-launch news
release will be issued as soon as the state-of-health of the TDRS-K
spacecraft is known. Spokespersons also will be available at the
press site to answer questions.
For NASA Television downlink information, schedule information and
streaming video, visit:
http://www.nasa.gov/ntv
Audio only of the press conferences and the launch coverage will be
carried on the NASA "V" circuits, which may be accessed by dialing
321-867-1220 or -1240 or -1260 or -7135. On launch day, "mission
audio," the launch conductor's countdown activities without NASA TV
launch commentary, will be carried on 321-867-7135 starting at 5:30
p.m. Launch also will be available on local amateur VHF radio
frequency 146.940 MHz heard within Brevard County.
NASA Web Prelaunch and Launch Coverage
Extensive prelaunch and launch day coverage of the liftoff of the
TDRS-K spacecraft aboard an Atlas V rocket will be available on
NASA's home page on the Internet at:
http://www.nasa.gov
A prelaunch webcast for the TDRS-K mission will be streamed on NASA's
website at noon on Monday, Jan. 28. Live countdown coverage through
NASA's Launch Blog begins at 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 29. Coverage
features live updates as countdown milestones occur, as well as
streaming video clips highlighting launch preparations and liftoff.
For questions about countdown coverage, contact Jeanne Ryba at
321-867-7824.
To view the webcast and the blog or to learn more about the TDRS-K
mission, visit:
http://www.nasa.gov/tdrs
Social Media
Join the conversation and follow the TDRS-K mission online by using
the #TDRS on Twitter and Facebook at:
http://www.twitter.com/nasa_tdrs
https://www.facebook.com/NASA.TDRS
Throughout the launch countdown, the NASAKennedy Twitter and Facebook
accounts will be continuously updated at:
http://www.twitter.com/NASAKennedy
https://www.facebook.com/NASAKennedy
Recorded Status
Recorded status reports and updates to the media advisory on the
TDRS-K launch will be provided through the Kennedy media phone line
starting Friday, Jan. 25. The telephone number is 321-867-2525.
Wireless Capability
Wireless capability for news media is available at Kennedy's Press
Site.
NASA's Space Communications and Navigation Program, part of the Human
Exploration and Operations Mission Directorate at NASA Headquarters
in Washington, is responsible for the TDRS network. The TDRS
spacecraft project is managed by the agency's Goddard Space Flight
Center in Greenbelt, Md. NASA's Launch Services Program at Kennedy
Space Center is responsible for launch management. United Launch
Alliance is the provider of the Atlas V launch service.
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#38 by jacqmans on 11 Jan, 2013 21:31
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From KSC facebook site:
Here's a great image of the Tracking and Data Relay Satellite-K that was taken today during media day at Astrotech Space Operations.
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#39 by vapour_nudge on 11 Jan, 2013 22:02
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http://mediaarchive.ksc.nasa.gov/search.cfm?cat=266
KSC-2013-1028 (01/03/2013) --- CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- At Cape Canaveral Air Force Station's Space Launch Complex 41 in Florida, operations are underway to erect the first stage of the Atlas V rocket that will carry the Tracking and Data Relay Satellite, TDRS-K, into orbit. Launch of the TDRS-K on the Atlas V rocket is planned for January 29, 2013. The TDRS-K spacecraft is part of the next-generation series in the Tracking and Data Relay Satellite System, a constellation of space-based communication satellites providing tracking, telemetry, command and high-bandwidth data return services. For more information, visit http://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/tdrs/index.html Photo credit: NASA/ Ben Smegelsky
Could someone kindly advise what the bulge is on the lower left hand side of the Atlas-401 booster from the image in reply # 37 posted by Jacqmans?