TDRS is moved to a payload adapter in the SAEF-2

[KSC-00PP-0748]

  • Photo Number: KSC-00PP-0748

  • Release Date: 12-Jun-2000

    • Description: In the Spacecraft Assembly and Encapsulation Facility, overhead cranes lower the Tracking and Data Relay Satellite (TDRS-H) onto a payload adapter. Next step is the encapsulation of the satellite in the fairing behind it (right and left). TDRS is scheduled to be launched June 29 aboard an Atlas IIA/Centaur rocket. One of three satellites (labeled H, I and J) being built in the Hughes Space and Communications Company Integrated Satellite Factory in El Segundo, Calif., 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
    (Pixels)    		 Height
    (Pixels)    		 Size
    (Bytes)
    Thumbnail GIF 67 100 10231
    Slide GIF 111 156 25115
    Low GIF 160 240 55154
    Medium JPEG 512 768 100056
    High JPEG 1780 2670 1067060

    Point of Contact

    Name: NASA Kennedy Space Center

    Address:

    KSC Public Affairs Office
National Aeronautics and Space Administration
John F. Kennedy Space Center
Kennedy Space Center, Florida 32899

    NIX Search KSC Search

    DISCLAIMER: No copyright protection is asserted for these photographs. If a recognizable person appears in this photograph, use for commercial purposes may infringe a right of privacy or publicity. It may not be used to state or imply the endorsement by NASA of a commercial product. (See NASA Copyright Notice)

    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 18:49:07 EDT 2001 (Anita Barrett)

    A service of the NASA Image Exchange (NIX)