KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- The first stage of an Atlas/Centaur booster (AC-144) is delivered to Launch Complex 36A at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in preparation for the launch of TDRS-J. The third in a series of telemetry satellites, TDRS-J will help replenish the current constellation of geosynchronous TDRS satellites. The TDRS System is the primary source of space-to-ground voice, data and telemetry for the Space Shuttle. It also provides communications with the International Space Station and scientific spacecraft in low-Earth orbit, such as the Hubble Space Telescope. This new advanced series of satellites will extend the availability of TDRS communications services until about 2017.
Location Kennedy Space Center, FL
Date October 9, 2002