A Boeing-built
satellite, which will increase NASA’s ability to provide clear
communications in the busy radio environment of space, is scheduled
for launch on Dec. 4 from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, Fla.

The modified Boeing 601 satellite, called TDRS-J, is the third of
three Tracking and Data Relay Satellites built by Boeing,
for NASA Goddard Space Flight Center of Greenbelt, Md. The launch will
take place during a 40-minute launch window that opens at 9:42 p.m.
EST (6:42 p.m. PST; 2:42 a.m. Dec. 5 GMT).

The three newest TDRS spacecraft will replenish and augment the
current fleet, which has served the space shuttle and other orbiting
spacecraft for almost two decades.

“This spacecraft will join its two immediate predecessors in
bringing valuable new capacity and capability to the TDRS fleet, which
serves as the primary communications lifeline for mankind’s near-Earth
exploration efforts in space,” said Randy Brinkley, president of
Boeing Satellite Systems, the El Segundo, Calif.-based
satellite-manufacturing arm of Boeing Integrated Defense Systems. “The
technology aboard TDRS-J will provide more than twice the current
science data transmission rates for future space missions.”

TDRS-J features innovative folding antennas that meet NASA’s
requirements for low-weight reflectors with a large surface area. The
antennas can simultaneously transmit and receive at multiple frequency
bands.

The three newest TDRS satellites maintain the specialized space
communications capabilities of the current TDRS constellation, which
provides continuous, high-data-rate communications with the space
shuttle, the International Space Station and dozens of unmanned
scientific satellites in low-Earth orbit, including the Hubble Space
Telescope. TDRS-H was successfully launched in June 2000. TDRS-I
reached geosynchronous orbit on Sept. 30, and is currently undergoing
in-orbit tests.

A unit of The Boeing Co., Boeing Integrated Defense Systems is one
of the world’s largest space and defense businesses. With headquarters
in St. Louis, Boeing Integrated Defense Systems is a $23 billion
business.

It provides systems solutions to its global military, government
and commercial customers. It is a leading provider of intelligence,
surveillance and reconnaissance; the world’s largest military aircraft
manufacturer; the world’s largest satellite manufacturer and a leading
provider of space-based communications; the primary systems integrator
for U.S. missile defense; NASA’s largest contractor; and a global
leader in launch services.

Note to Editors: NASA TV will provide live commentary and TV
coverage of the TDRS-J launch on Dec. 4, beginning at approximately
8:30 p.m. EST. NASA TV coordinates are GE-2, transponder 9C at 85
degrees West longitude, with a frequency of 3880 Mhz; audio at 6.8
Mhz. Coverage will be live through the launch and separation. You are
welcome to use the feed in your news broadcasts.

Photos are available at www.boeingmedia.com