TDRS-5, known before launch as TDRS-E, is an American communications satellite, of first generation, which is operated by NASA as part of the Tracking and Data Relay Satellite System. It was constructed by TRW is based on a custom satellite bus which was used for all seven first generation TDRS satellites.[2]
History
It was launched aboard during the STS-43 mission. Atlantis launched from Launch Complex 39A at the Kennedy Space Center on 2 August 1991 at 15:01:59 UTC (11:01:59 EDT).[3] TDRS-E was deployed from Atlantis around six hours after launch, and was raised to geostationary orbit by means of an Inertial Upper Stage. It was the only TDRS satellite to be deployed from Atlantis.[3]