Washington, Nov 22 (ANI): NASA's Tracking and Data Relay Satellite (TDRS) has been approved to begin its environmental testing before it is launch aboard an Atlas V rocket from Cape Canaveral, Florida in the fall of 2012.
The most recent evaluations of TDRS project confirmed that all systems go for a third generation upgrade of the orbiting communications network.
Approval to move forward came during a recent Agency Project Management Council (APMC) meeting at NASA Headquarters.
"I am very proud of the entire TDRS civil servant and contractor team for successfully completing this milestone and demonstrating that the TDRS project is ready to proceed into the integration phase," said Jeff Gramling, TDRS Project Manager.
"I am excited to see the TDRS-K satellite enter the thermal vacuum chamber and begin environmental testing," he stated.
Testing will occur within the Boeing Space Systems Facility in El Segundo, California.
APMC approval allows the project to enter Phase D that will include spacecraft integration and testing.
During this phase the spacecraft reflectors will be mounted, the thermal panels and batteries will be installed before the spacecraft will have to endure the rigors of the vibration and acoustic testing.
Finally, the spacecraft must pass a pre-ship review prior to being transported to Florida for launch.
During the upcoming environmental test phase, various segments and subsystems are scrutinized for their viability under the same harsh conditions they will endure within the vacuum of space.
"Successful completion of the environmental testing phase of the project will be the last step before we ship the TDRS-K spacecraft to the launch site," said Dave Littmann, TDRS Deputy Project Manager.
"Through a rigorous testing program, we will ensure this satellite, once on-orbit, is capable of meeting its functional and performance requirements, to provide reliable services to the customers of NASA's Space Network," Littmann added. (ANI)
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