TDRS-12, known before launch as TDRS-L, is an American communications satellite operated by NASA as part of the Tracking and Data Relay Satellite System. The twelfth Tracking and Data Relay Satellite, it is the second third-generation spacecraft to be launched, following TDRS-11 in 2013.[4]
Spacecraft
TDRS-12 was constructed by Boeing, based on the BSS-601HP satellite bus. Fully fueled, it has a mass of 3454 kg, with a design life of 15 years.[1] It carries two steerable antennas capable of providing S, Ku and Ka band communications for other spacecraft, with an additional array of S-band transponders for lower-rate communications with five further satellites.[4] The satellite is powered by two solar arrays, which produce 2.8 to 3.2 kilowatts of power, while an R-4D-11-300 engine is present to provide propulsion.[1][5]
Launch
The United Launch Alliance was contracted to launch TDRS-12. The spacecraft was launched on 24 January 2014 at 02:33 UTC (21:33 local time on 23 January).[2] An Atlas V rocket was used, flying in the 401 configuration, with tail number AV-043.[5] After launch, TDRS-12 was deployed into a high-perigee geosynchronous transfer orbit.[6] The spacecraft raised itself into a geosynchronous orbit using its onboard propulsion system.
Gallery
See also
References
- Gunter Krebs. TDRS K, L, M Gunter's Space Page, retrieved 23 January 2013^
- TRDS-L Lifts Off NASA, 23 January 2014, retrieved 24 January 2014^
- TDRS-12 Satellite details 2014-004A NORAD 39504 N2YO, 22 January 2015, retrieved 25 January 2015^
- TDRS-K Media Kit NASA, retrieved 23 January 2014^
- William Graham. ULA set to open 2014 campaign with Atlas V launch of TDRS-L NASASpaceflight.com, 23 January 2014, retrieved 23 January 2014^
- TDRS-L Atlas V Mission Overview United Launch Alliance, retrieved 23 January 2014^