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Started in the early 1970’s, the Tracking and Data Relay Satellite (TDRS) comprises the space segment of the Space Network. NASA Goddard Space Flight Center manages the development and operations of the TDRS satellites.
The current Tracking and Data Relay Satellite configuration consists of eight in-orbit satellites (four first generation, three second generation and one third generation satellites) distributed to provide near continuous information relay service to missions like:
- Hubble Space Telescope (HST),
- the Space Shuttle, and
- the International Space Station (ISS).
› TDRS Fleet
First Generation Tracking Data Relay Satellite (TDRS)
TDRS First Generation
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| Title | Event |
|---|---|
| TDRS-A (TDRS-1) | Launched April 04, 1983 Retired Fall 2009 Disposal June 2010 |
| TDRS-B | Destroyed January 28, 1986 in Challenger explosion |
| TDRS-C (TDRS-3) | Launched September 29, 1988 Retired December 2011 Disposal April 2012 |
| TDRS-D (TDRS-4) | Launched March 13, 1989 |
| TDRS-E (TDRS-5) | Launched August 02, 1991 |
| TDRS-F (TDRS-6) | Launched January 13, 1993 |
| TDRS-G (TDRS-7) | Launched July 13, 1995 |
› First Generation Satellite Capabilities
Second Generation Tracking Data Relay Satellite (TDRS)
TDRS Second Generation
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› Second Generation Satellite Capabilities |
Third Generation Tracking Data Relay Satellite (TDRS)
TDRS Third Generation
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The third generation TDRS will be functionally identical to the second generation TDRS with one major exception – beamforming. Multiple Access beamforming will be performed on the ground, unlike the second generation spacecraft which performs this function on-board. Like the first generation, this will allow for the unscheduled S-band DAS to be possible for low data rate use.