Advanced Communications Satellite To Speed Up Space-Based Data

TECH SPACE

A TDRS satellite

Greenbelt - Nov 27, 2002
NASA is ready to launch the third advanced Tracking and Data Relay Satellites, named TDRS-J, which will have the ability to transfer data 5,000 times faster than a computer's 56K modem, transmit near real-time audio and high-resolution digital video from Earth-orbiting spacecraft and provide tracking services for expendable launch vehicles.

TDRS-J is scheduled to launch Dec. 4 aboard an Atlas IIA rocket from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, Fla., at the beginning of a 40-minute launch window, which opens at 9:42pm EST.

The new trio of satellites joins forces with the original TDRS constellation to support the Space Shuttle, International Space Station, Hubble Space Telescope and a host of other Earth-orbiting spacecraft.

"This state-of-the-art communications system will support NASA's mission by providing a communications backbone for astronauts aboard the Shuttle and Space Station, as well as relay vital data from several Earth and space science missions," said Robert Jenkens Jr., TDRS Project Manager at NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center, Greenbelt, Md.

TDRS-J features the following capabilities:

S-band Single Access: Two 15-foot diameter steerable antennas, used at the 2.0 to 2.3 GHz (gigahertz) band, supply robust communications to user satellites with smaller antennas and receive telemetry from expendable launch vehicles during launch.
Ku-band Single Access: The same two antennas, operating from 13.7 to 15.0 GHz, provide higher bandwidth for user satellites, provide high-resolution digital television for Space Shuttle video communications and can quickly transfer large volumes of data from tape or solid-state data recorders aboard NASA scientific spacecraft.
Ka-band Single Access: This new higher-frequency service, which operates from 22.5 to 27.5 Gigahertz and increases data rate capabilities to 800 megabits per second, will provide communications for future missions requiring higher bandwidths such as multi-spectral instruments for Earth science applications.
Multiple Access: This system is capable of receiving signals from five user spacecraft simultaneously at rates up to 3 megabits per second, while transmitting to a single user at up to 300 kilobits per second. The system operates using a phased-array antenna in the 2.0 to 2.3 GHz range.

For two weeks following the launch, transfer orbit operations will boost the 7,039-pound (3,196-kilogram) satellite into a geosynchronous orbit 22,300 miles above the Earth's equator. Upon completion of on-orbit testing and acceptance, TDRS-J will be renamed TDRS-10.

Fully deployed, the satellite measures approximately 69 feet long (21 meters) by 43 feet (13 meters) wide. The satellite's silicon celled solar arrays will generate 2,300 watts of on-orbit power and a nickel-hydrogen battery will supply power during solar eclipses.

The TDRS replenishment program cost approximately $800 million and includes three satellites, expendable launch vehicles, upgrades to the White Sands Complex in Las Cruces, N. M., and NASA program costs. Boeing Satellite Systems, El Segundo, Calif., designed, built and tested TDRS-H, I and J for NASA under a fixed-price contract.

SPACE SALVAGE

Boeing Gets TDRS-i To GEO Seven Months After Orbital Transfer Failure

St. Louis - Oct 02, 2002
NASA's Boeing-built Tracking and Data Relay Satellite-I (TDRS-I) has reached GEO orbit where it will provide critical communications support for NASA's space shuttles, the International Space Station, and numerous scientific spacecraft.

Thanks for being here; We need your help. The SpaceDaily news network continues to grow but revenues have never been harder to maintain. With the rise of Ad Blockers, and Facebook - our traditional revenue sources via quality network advertising continues to decline. And unlike so many other news sites, we don't have a paywall - with those annoying usernames and passwords. Our news coverage takes time and effort to publish 365 days a year. If you find our news sites informative and useful then please consider becoming a regular supporter or for now make a one off contribution.
SpaceDaily Contributor $5 Billed Once credit card or paypal		SpaceDaily Monthly Supporter $5 Billed Monthly paypal only

The content herein, unless otherwise known to be public domain, are Copyright 1995-2016 - Space Media Network. All websites are published in Australia and are solely subject to Australian law and governed by Fair Use principals for news reporting and research purposes. AFP, UPI and IANS news wire stories are copyright Agence France-Presse, United Press International and Indo-Asia News Service. ESA news reports are copyright European Space Agency. All NASA sourced material is public domain. Additional copyrights may apply in whole or part to other bona fide parties. Advertising does not imply endorsement, agreement or approval of any opinions, statements or information provided by Space Media Network on any Web page published or hosted by Space Media Network. Privacy Statement All images and articles appearing on Space Media Network have been edited or digitally altered in some way. Any requests to remove copyright material will be acted upon in a timely and appropriate manner. Any attempt to extort money from Space Media Network will be ignored and reported to Australian Law Enforcement Agencies as a potential case of financial fraud involving the use of a telephonic carriage device or postal service.