The most recent evaluations of NASA's Tracking and Data Relay Satellite (TDRS) project confirmed all systems go for TDRSK, a third generation upgrade of the orbiting communications network. TDRSK is scheduled for launch aboard an Atlas V rocket from Cape Canaveral, Florida during the 2012 holiday season.

The launch of TDRSK will begin the replenishment of the fleet through the development and deployment of the next generation spacecraft. These satellites will ensure NASA's Space Network continues to provide aroundtheclock, high throughput communications services to NASA's missions and serving the scientific community and human spaceflight program for years to come.

This video is public domain and can be downloaded at: http://svs.gsfc.nasa.gov/goto?10976

Like our videos? Subscribe to NASA's Goddard Shorts HD podcast:
http://svs.gsfc.nasa.gov/vis/iTunes/f...

Or find NASA Goddard Space Flight Center on Facebook:
  / nasa.gsfc  

Or find us on Twitter:
  / nasagoddard