TDRS-1 Marks 20 Years of Service

	Artistic image of TDRS

NASA's original Tracking and Data Relay Satellite (TDRS-1), launched from the Space Shuttle Challenger (STS-6) in April 1983, went from almost being "lost in space," to a remarkable example of the agency's 'can do, never quit' attitude. On April 4, TDRS-1 celebrates 20 years of outstanding service and 'firsts.'

After deployment, the spacecraft's upper stage failed. NASA engineers at Goddard came to TDRS-1's rescue using the spacecraft's tiny, one-pound thrusters. They used the thrusters, over several months, to nudge the satellite into a geosynchronous Earth orbit. Because TDRS-1 has been inclining in its orbit almost one degree per year since its deployment, this satellite has been used in ways never expected.

TDRS-1 began life by opening a new era in NASA satellite communications. It tracked low Earth-orbiting satellites, enabling NASA to issues commands and receive telemetry through most of their orbit. Working solo, TDRS-1 provided more communication coverage, in support of the September 1983 Shuttle mission, than the entire network of NASA tracking stations had provided in all previous Shuttle missions.

For the complete article on TDRS reaching 20 years, go to: http://www.gsfc.nasa.gov/news-release/releases/2003/h03-130.htm