TDRS is ready for launch

[KSC-00PP-0819]

  • Photo Number: KSC-00PP-0819

  • Release Date: 30-Jun-2000

    • Description: NASA's Tracking and Data Relay Satellite (TDRS-H) sits poised on Launch Pad 36A, Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, before its scheduled launch aboard an Atlas IIA/Centaur rocket. One of three satellites (labeled H, I and J) being built by the Hughes Space and Communications Company, the latest TDRS uses an innovative springback antenna design. A pair of 15-foot-diameter, flexible mesh antenna reflectors fold up for launch, then spring back into their original cupped circular shape on orbit. The new satellites will augment the TDRS system's existing S- and Ku-band frequencies by adding Ka-band capability. TDRS will serve as the sole means of continuous, high-data-rate communication with the space shuttle, with the International Space Station upon its completion, and with dozens of unmanned scientific satellites in low earth orbit.

    Resolution Format Width
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    Thumbnail GIF 71 100 10825
    Slide GIF 114 156 25820
    Low GIF 170 240 58410
    Medium JPEG 544 768 65642
    High JPEG 1892 2670 643170

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    Photos By: National Aeronautics and Space Administration
    Scanned By: Seven/Still Photo Imaging
    Captions: InDyne, Inc.
    Curator: NASA/KSC Internet Systems Lab (Dumoulin, Downs, Paladino)
    Last Updated: Tuesday August 28 18:52:25 EDT 2001 (Anita Barrett)

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