TDRS-K satellite concept and real-world build (via NASA)
Technology inevitably becomes obsolete over time and either becomes limited in its functionality or incompatible with new upgrades. NASA’s aging communications system is suffering with such obsolescence and is in dire need of a network replacement. In an effort to upgrade their communications system NASA successfully launched their first, in a series of three, new generation TDRS (Tracking and Data Relay Satellite) satellite. Known as the TDRS-K (11 total launched since 1983), the satellite will help compensate some of the workload of the previous 10 still in orbit which acts as a go-between for communications from the ISS, Hubble Space Telescope, Mars Rovers and other satellites to ground-based stations. The satellite (costing about $715 million US and weighing in at 7,615lbs.) was launched aboard an Atlas V 401 rocket on January 30 (2013) and maneuvered into a geosynchronous orbit (22,000 miles above Hawaii) using its on-board thrusters where it will undergo 3 months of testing before being incorporated into the existing system. The TDRS-K features multiple improvements over its predecessors including a redesigned telecommunications payload as well as high-performance solar panels for increased power collection needed for S-band communications. The satellite has an impressive antenna array that consists of two single-access arrays for priority comms between one spacecraft per antenna (2 total) capable of multiple speeds across the S, Ku and Ka frequency bands. It is also equipped with a Forward Omni array (for command functions, telemetry and tracking), Multiple Access antenna (for communications with multiple spacecraft at a lower priority with time-sensitive data) and an SGL (Space-to-Ground Link) array for simultaneously transmitting and receiving data with Earth-based terminals. NASA has slated to launch their next communications satellite (TDRS-L) in 2014 with build completion of the TDSR-M sometime in 2015, which will round out the communications system with an expected service lifespan of 15 years. The TDRS communications system will also be available for civilian spacecraft (such as SpaceX and Bigelow Aerospace) as NASA has recently contracted both companies for work with the ISS.
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