TDRS-11

TDRS-11, known before launch as TDRS-K, is an American communications satellite which is operated by NASA as part of the Tracking and Data Relay Satellite System. The eleventh Tracking and Data Relay Satellite is the first third-generation spacecraft.[4]

TDRS-11
TDRS-K before launch
Mission typeCommunications
OperatorNASA
COSPAR ID2013-004A
SATCAT no.39070
Mission durationPlanned: 15 years
Elapsed: 7 years, 6 months, 15 days
Spacecraft properties
BusBSS-601HP
ManufacturerBoeing
Launch mass3,454 kilograms (7,615 lb)[1]
Start of mission
Launch date31 January 2013, 01:48 (2013-01-31UTC01:48) UTC[2]
RocketAtlas V 401 AV-036
Launch siteCape Canaveral SLC-41
ContractorUnited Launch Alliance
Orbital parameters
Reference systemGeocentric
RegimeGeosynchronous orbit
Perigee altitude35,755 kilometers (22,217 mi)[3]
Apogee altitude35,826 kilometers (22,261 mi)[3]
Inclination6.39 degrees[3]
Period1436.00 minutes[3]
Epoch20 January 2015, 13:09:06 UTC[3]
 

TDRS-11 was constructed by Boeing, and is based on the BSS-601HP satellite bus. Fully fuelled, it has a mass of 3,454 kilograms (7,615 lb), and is expected to operate for 15 years.[1] It carries two steerable antennas capable of providing S, Ku and Ka band communications for other spacecraft, plus an array of additional S-band transponders to allow communications at a lower data rate with greater numbers of spacecraft.[4]

TDRS-11 was launched at 01:48 UTC on 31 January 2013, at the beginning of a 40-minute launch window. United Launch Alliance performed the launch using an Atlas V carrier rocket, tail number AV-036, flying in the 401 configuration.[5] Liftoff occurred from Space Launch Complex 41 at the Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, and the rocket placed its payload into a geostationary transfer orbit.

Following its arrival in geosynchronous orbit, the satellite underwent on-orbit testing. It was handed over to NASA in August 2013, receiving its operational designation TDRS-11. After its arrival on-station at 171 degrees west the satellite began its final phase of testing prior to entry into service at the end of November.[6] As of May 2020, it was positioned at 174 degrees west.[7]

Location of TDRS as of 22 May 2020
Location of TDRS as of March 2019

References
  1. Krebs, Gunter. "TDRS K, L, M". Gunter's Space Page. Retrieved 31 January 2013.
  2. McDowell, Jonathan. "Launch Log". Jonathan's Space Page. Retrieved 31 October 2013.
  3. "TDRS 11 Satellite details 2013-004A NORAD 39070". N2YO. 20 January 2015. Retrieved 25 January 2015.
  4. "TDRS-K Media Kit" (PDF). NASA. Archived from the original (PDF) on 15 February 2013. Retrieved 31 January 2013.
  5. "TDRS-K Atlas V Mission Overview" (PDF). United Launch Alliance. Archived from the original (PDF) on 1 February 2014. Retrieved 31 January 2013.
  6. "Updates on the Tracking and Data Relay Satellite (TDRS) Fleet". NASA. 22 October 2013. Archived from the original on 20 January 2014. Retrieved 20 January 2013.
  7. http://celestrak.com/NORAD/elements/tdrss.txt


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