TDRS 1 was deployed from the space shuttle Challenger, STS-6 in 1983. STS 6 launched 4 April 1983 and was the second operational flight of the Space Transportation System. Astronauts Paul Weitz, Karol Bobko, Donald Peterson, and Story Musgrove were on board and deployed the first Tracking and Data Relay Satellite (TDRS) used to provide improved tracking and data acquisition services to spacecraft in low earth orbit. An EVA (extra-vehicular activity) was performed. The mission duration was 120 hours 23 minutes 42 seconds, and it landed 9 April 1983.
The Tracking and Data Relay Satellite System (TDRSS) was a concept utilizing communication satellite technology to improve and economize the satellite tracking and telemetry operation. Three geosynchronous satellites (one a standby) track and receive data from satellites for relay to a ground station. Two active satellites will be separated in orbit by at least 130-deg longitude.
Spacecraft serviced by TDRSS will require only one communications system since ground-based telemetry stations will be compatible with TDRSS equipment. TDRSS was intended to support satellite with apogee below 12,000 km. One system will be used for satellites with apogee below 2000 km (the great majority of satellites), and another for those with higher apogee. Use of operating frequencies near 2150 (plus or minus 150) MHz and near 14.3 (plus or minus 0.9) GHz were anticipated.
Alternate Names
Tracking and Data Relay Satellite 1
Facts in Brief
Launch Date: 1983-04-05
Launch Vehicle: Shuttle
Launch Site: Cape Canaveral, United States
Mass: 2268.0 kg
Nominal Power: 1700.0 W