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The TDRS-J satellite FROM NASA PRESS KIT Posted: December 1, 2002
Shortly after the TDRS-I launch on March 8, the NASA/BSS team detected a propulsion subsystem pressure anomaly. After a seven-month planning and recovery effort, TDRS-I safely reached geosynchronous orbit on September 30. Controllers successfully deployed all appendages in early October. NASA and BSS personnel are currently conducting on-orbit tests of the spacecraft's communications payloads and spacecraft operations, which are scheduled to conclude sometime in December. TDRS-H, I, and J provides users with Ka-band Single Access. This new high frequency service provides higher bandwidth, less interference with terrestrial communications, and a lower user satellite equipment burden. TDRS-J also features S-band Multiple-Access, providing users with five return channels (satellite to ground) and one multiple access forward channel (ground to user) per TDRS. TDRS-H, I and J have been upgraded to three megabits per second return versus 100 kilobits per second for the original TDRS 1-7 fleet, and up to 300 kilobits per second forward. Boeing Satellite Systems, Inc. of El Segundo, Calif., built TDRS-H, I and J for NASA under a fixed price contract.
Dimensions: 68 feet, 10 inches (21 meters) long by 43 feet, five inches (13 meters) wide on orbit, fully deployed. Weight: Approximately 7,039 pounds at lift-off (3,196 kilograms) and 3,930 pounds (1,786 kilograms) at beginning of on-orbit life. Power: Silicon solar cell arrays generate 2,300 watts of power, and nickel-hydrogen batteries supply spacecraft power during solar eclipses. Spacecraft payload A new antenna reflector design for TDRS-H, I, and J consists of two 15-foot-diameter graphite mesh antenna reflectors. The graphite combines shape memory with flexibility. Shaped for maximum aperture efficiency, each reflector is folded into a taco shape during launch then springs back to their original cupped circular shape once on orbit. Weighing less than 36 pounds (16 kilograms) each, the reflectors can be adjusted, or actively tuned, on orbit. TDRS-8*, -I and -J offers the following services: S-band Single Access -
S-band Multiple Access-
Ku-band Single Access -
Ka-band Single Access -
Mission Lifetime - TDRS-H, -I and -J have a specified mission lifetime of 11 years, with expendables (fuel) for up to 14 years of on-orbit storage. Pre- and Post-Acceptance Testing - Boeing Satellite Systems is responsible for pre-acceptance testing, performed from NASA's White Sands Complex while the satellite is located at 150-degree West longitude. Upon NASA acceptance, each satellite goes through post-acceptance testing, also performed from the White Sands Complex, and under the guidance of Goddard's Mission Services Program Office. Cost - TDRS-H, -I and -J spacecraft and White Sands Complex modifications cost approximately $485 million, or about $800* million for the entire program (e.g., three satellites, expendable launch vehicles, White Sands Complex modifications and NASA program costs). (*Cost updated in October 2002) Mission Oversight - Upon government acceptance, Goddard's Space Network Project Office will assume mission oversight. TDRS Operational Locations -
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Flight data file Vehicle: Atlas 2A (AC-144) Payload: TDRS-J Launch date: December 4, 2002 Launch window: 9:42-10:22 p.m. EST (0242-0322 GMT on Dec. 5) Launch site: SLC-36A, Cape Canaveral AFS, Fla. Satellite broadcast: GE-2, Trans. 9, C-band Pre-launch briefing Launch timeline - Chart with times and descriptions of events to occur during the launch. Ground track - See the trajectory the rocket will follow during its flight. Atlas 2A vehicle data - Overview of the rocket to be used in this launch. History of TDRSS - Past launches of TDRS satellites and their current status. Atlas index - A directory of our previous Atlas launch coverage. New DVD The conception, design, development, testing and launch history of the Saturn I and IB rocket is documented in this forthcoming three-disc DVD. U.S. STORE U.K. & WORLDWIDE STORE Hubble Calendar NEW! This remarkable calendar features stunning images of planets, stars, gaseous nebulae, and galaxies captured by NASA's orbiting Hubble Space Telescope . U.S. STORE U.K. & WORLDWIDE STORE The ultimate Apollo 11 DVD NEW 3-DISC EDITION This exceptional chronicle of the historic Apollo 11 lunar landing mission features new digital transfers of film and television coverage unmatched by any other. U.S. STORE U.K. & WORLDWIDE STORE Hubble Astronomy Now presents Hubble: the space telescope's view of the cosmos. A collection of the best images from the world’s premier space observatory. U.S. STORE U.K. & WORLDWIDE STORE Apollo 15 DVDs Bring a unique piece of space history to your living room. Two- and six-disc Apollo 15 DVDs will be shipping soon. U.S. STORE U.K. & WORLDWIDE STORE |
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