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#220
by
jacqmans
on 31 Jan, 2013 08:16
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Boeing TDRS-K Relay Satellite Sends 1st Signals from Space
Provides critical communications links for NASA, US space programs
CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla., Jan. 30, 2013 -- Boeing [NYSE: BA] has received the first on-orbit signals from the Tracking and Data Relay Satellite (TDRS)-K, demonstrating that the vehicle is functioning and ready to use its internal engine to boost it to its operational geosynchronous orbit. After reaching final orbit, it will undergo three months of tests and calibration before being put into operation by NASA to provide critical communications relay services to NASA and other U.S. space programs.
TDRS-K joins three other Boeing TDRS satellites in NASA's system. It is the first of a new series of those satellites, featuring improved payload, power and propulsion, and will help provide users with enhanced, reliable communications bandwidth at the lowest cost.
"TDRS-K is another example of the vital space communication services Boeing has been providing to NASA for more than four decades," said Craig Cooning, vice president and general manager of Boeing Space & Intelligence Systems.
The satellite launched on a United Launch Alliance Atlas V vehicle today at 8:48 p.m. Eastern time from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, Fla. Controllers in Australia confirmed initial contact with it two hours and three minutes later.
TDRS-K's design is based on electronics from the highly successful 702 class of satellites and previous TDRS spacecraft.
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#221
by
edkyle99
on 31 Jan, 2013 10:49
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Ed, other than the flaw in last Delta IV launch (10-4-2013) was in the upper and not first stage. Oddly, this is the second successful RL-10 flight since that launch. Your point again?
That US powered launches are rare.
Ed Kyle
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#222
by
Rocket Science
on 31 Jan, 2013 12:16
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Congrats to all the teams involved! Thanks for the great coverage.
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#223
by
Antares
on 31 Jan, 2013 14:51
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#224
by
Ben the Space Brit
on 31 Jan, 2013 14:54
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#225
by
Lar
on 31 Jan, 2013 15:04
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Sorry, not a Spanish speaker; it literally went over my head. 
I think most launches are supposed to do that, if they're working right.
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#226
by
Galactic Penguin SST
on 31 Jan, 2013 16:17
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I have a question about the BSS 601 spacecraft bus that the satellites use - with only one non-TDRS order of the 601 platform since 2003 (and that is for a partially completed spacecraft!), does it mean that these three satellites would be more expensive than, say, when ordering with other US communication satellite builders (LM / Orbital /SSL), which has more recent medium-class comsat orders?
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#227
by
Jim
on 31 Jan, 2013 16:24
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I have a question about the BSS 601 spacecraft bus that the satellites use - with only one non-TDRS order of the 601 platform since 2003 (and that is for a partially completed spacecraft!), does it mean that these three satellites would be more expensive than, say, when ordering with other US communication satellite builders (LM / Orbital /SSL), which has more recent medium-class comsat orders?
These were basically copies of the 3 previous spacecraft.
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#228
by
Jim
on 31 Jan, 2013 16:42
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Cool video:
I am in there somewhere
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#229
by
pippin
on 31 Jan, 2013 17:00
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#230
by
Galactic Penguin SST
on 31 Jan, 2013 17:04
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http://www.nasaspaceflight.com/2013/01/ula-altas-v-launch-tdrs-k/
Probably a dumb question, but the article talks about TDRS-3 being in a (relatively) high inclination orbit. Are the TDRS satellites not in equatorial GSOs or is there a specific reason TDRS-3 is not?
Just normal drifting after the satellite lost its attitude control ability.... (in this case "(relatively) high inclination" is only about 14 degrees)
Keep in mind that satellite is now 24 years old....
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#231
by
pippin
on 31 Jan, 2013 17:06
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Ah. Thanks!
Which brings up the next question: what do sats without attitude control tend to drift to? 23° inclination? Erratic?
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#232
by
Chris Bergin
on 31 Jan, 2013 18:12
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#233
by
Chris Bergin
on 31 Jan, 2013 18:14
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Cool video:
I am in there somewhere
Hehe! (Hand Raised!!!)
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#234
by
ugordan
on 31 Jan, 2013 20:35
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http://www.nasaspaceflight.com/2013/01/ula-altas-v-launch-tdrs-k/
ULA employs tall Spanish women?
Altas... Anyone?
It's a whooosh from me too!
I'm sure there's a "An Atlas V, Delta IV and Falcon 9 went to a bar..." joke there somewhere
I'm not sure if you're still missing his point or not, but he's talking about the typo in both the article heading and the URL to it.
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#235
by
robertross
on 01 Feb, 2013 01:35
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Cool video:
I am in there somewhere
Yes you are! Right on.
Great keepsake.
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#236
by
catdlr
on 01 Feb, 2013 01:43
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for anyone wishing to re-live the entire TDRS-K launch to deployment, here you are:
NASA TDRS-K Complete launch coverage
Published on Jan 31, 2013
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#237
by
dawei
on 09 Feb, 2013 04:30
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Yes, I am interested as I missed most of the launch. Thanks Catdlr for providing this link to the whole broadcast!
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#238
by
dawei
on 09 Feb, 2013 04:31
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Any updates on the progress of TDRS-K after separation?
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#239
by
HIPAR
on 09 Feb, 2013 05:09
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