THE NASA TRACKING AND DATA RELAY SATELLITE SYSTEM AND ITS IMPACT ON SPACECRAFT SUPPORT IN THE SPACE TRANSPORTATION SYSTEM ERA

Abstract

This paper discusses the space tracking, data acquisition, and communication network systems and capabilities available to NASA. Emphasis is on the Tracking and Data Relay Satellite System (TDRSS) which is currently under development and scheduled to come into operation in 1983. TDRSS will be the prime support system for communication with the Space Shuttle, Spacelab, and the automated spacecraft to be launched into earth orbit by the Space Transportation System. The NASA Spaceflight Tracking and Data Network (STDN) currently used for support of earth orbital spacecraft is described, and the plans for changes in this network and consolidation of its 26 meter antennas into an expanded Deep Space Network, after TDRSS is operational, are discussed.