CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. — NASA’s Tracking and Data Relay Satellite-K (TDRS-K) launch media accreditation now is open. Liftoff will be aboard an Atlas V rocket from Space Launch Complex 41 at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida. Liftoff is targeted for Tuesday, Jan. 29, at 8:52 p.m. EST at the opening of a 40-minute launch window.
International media without U.S. citizenship must apply for credentials to cover the prelaunch and launch activities by noon on Thursday, Jan. 17. For U.S. media, the deadline to apply is 4 p.m. on Wednesday, Jan. 23.
All media accreditation requests need to be submitted online at: https://media.ksc.nasa.gov
For questions about accreditation or additional information, contact Jennifer Horner at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida at 321-867-6598.
TDRS-K is the first of three next-generation satellites designed to ensure vital operational continuity for NASA by expanding the lifespan of the fleet, which consists of 7 satellites in geostationary orbit. The spacecraft provide tracking, telemetry, command and high bandwidth data return services for numerous science and human exploration missions orbiting Earth. These include NASA’s Hubble Space Telescope and the International Space Station. TDRS-K has a high-performance solar panel designed for more spacecraft power to meet the growing S-band communications requirements.
Boeing Space and Intelligence Systems in El Segundo, Calif., built TDRS-K. NASA’s Space Communications and Navigation Program, part of the Human Exploration and Operations Mission Directorate at NASA Headquarters in Washington, is responsible for the TDRS network. NASA’s Launch Services Program at Kennedy is responsible for launch management. United Launch Alliance provides the Atlas V rocket and launch service.
For more information about the mission, visit: http://www.nasa.gov/tdrs
