On Thursday evening, NASA took another step toward its next generation of high data-rate satellite communications. This is the 12th launch of the space agency’s Tracking and Data Relay Satellite System (TDRS) project which aims to improve communications between NASA’s Earth-observing satellites and telescopes including the Hubble Space Telescope and the International Space Station.

Ground controllers report the satellite, launched aboard a United Launch Alliance Atlas V rocket from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida, is in good health. The TDRS-L system will now undergo a three month checkout by it’s manufacturer, Boeing Space and Intelligence Systems, before being put into service.

“TDRS-L and the entire TDRS fleet provide a vital service to America’s space program by supporting missions that range from Earth-observation to deep space discoveries,” said NASA Administrator Charles Bolden. “TDRS also will support the first test of NASA’s new deep space spacecraft, the Orion crew module, in September. This test will see Orion travel farther into space than any human spacecraft has gone in more than 40 years.”

The next spacecraft in the TDRS series, TDRS-M, is on schedule to launch in late 2015. Additional information about the TDRS project, as well as the Orion MPCV (Multi-Purpose Crew Vehicle) project is available on the NASA website.

Source: NASA