The tracking and data transmission satellite TDRS-I, built for NASA by "Boeing Integrated Defense Systems", a division of Boeing Co., Ltd., has reached a geosynchronous orbit where it will provide vital communication support to NASA's space shuttles
7.10.2002
From: Message received on behalf of Boeing
The tracking and data transmission satellite TDRS-I, built for NASA by "Boeing Integrated Defense Systems", a division of Boeing Co. (NYSE: BA), has reached a geosynchronous orbit where it will provide vital communication support to NASA's space shuttles. to the International Space Station and many research spacecraft. The achievement came after a successful recovery effort made necessary when one of the two propellant tanks did not properly regulate pressure shortly after launch on March 8.
In a procedure that can be compared to a "remote control coronary bypass", from a distance of 37,000 km, satellite controllers from "Boeing Satellite Systems" in El Segundo, California, rerouted a tank pressure regulator around a blocked valve, and performed a series of engine burns over the past four months In an attempt to raise the TDRS-1 orbit to an altitude of 36,000 km. The last burning was done on the morning of Monday, September 30.
"The TDRS-I recovery effort was an incredible operation that demonstrates the inherent strength of our product design and the vast knowledge and experience of our people in space missions," said Randy Brinkley, president of Boeing Satellite Systems.
'I am very proud of our TDRS-I team and the support and trust our customer NASA has shown during this challenging time. All of us at "Boeing Satellite Systems" are aware of the thinking of the TDRS-I for NASA's Space Shuttle and the International Space Station and we are all in awe of the team's joint effort.
"We would not have been able to complete the restoration process without a joint effort. NASA stationed its personnel at our control center in El Segundo and also provided support from its ground station network throughout. The joint effort showed what can be achieved with teamwork."
The satellite will now deploy its antennas and undergo at least eight weeks of testing while in orbit. Based on the amount of propellant remaining, the satellite should complete the 15 years of service required by the contract.
TDRS-I is the second of three spacecraft delivered by "Boeing Satellite Systems" to NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center in Greenbelt, Maryland. The first satellite, TDRS-H, was successfully launched in June 2000. The third satellite, TDRS-J, was scheduled for launch in November 2002.
The TDRS fleet serves as the primary means of continuous and rapid data communication with the Space Shuttle, the International Space Station and dozens of unmanned research satellites in low Earth orbit, including the Hubble Space Telescope. The three new TDRS-I satellites will add Ka-band capability to the TDRS fleet, which will increase flexibility and enable faster data transmissions.
"Boeing Integrated Defense Systems", a division of Boeing Co., Ltd., is one of the largest space and defense companies in the world. "Boeing Integrated Defense Systems" headquarters is in St. Louis and its value amounts to 23 billion dollars. It provides system solutions to its military, government and commercial customers worldwide.
"Boeing Integrated Defense Systems" is a leading provider of intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance services; the largest military aircraft manufacturer in the world; the world's largest satellite manufacturer and leading provider of space-based communications; the chief systems integrator of the US missile defense program; NASA's largest contractor and a world leader in providing launch services.
