 TDRS-E aboardAtlantis during deployment | |
| Mission type | Communication |
|---|---|
| Operator | NASA |
| COSPAR ID | 1991-054B |
| SATCATno. | 21639 |
| Mission duration | Planned: 10 years Elapsed: 33 years, 7 months, 3 days |
| Spacecraft properties | |
| Bus | TDRS |
| Manufacturer | TRW |
| Launch mass | 2,108 kg (4,647 lb) |
| Dimensions | 17.3 × 14.2 m (57 × 47 ft) |
| Power | 1700 watts |
| Start of mission | |
| Launch date | 2 August 1991, 15:01:59 (1991-08-02UTC15:01:59) UTC |
| Rocket | Space Shuttle Atlantis STS-43 /IUS |
| Launch site | Kennedy Space Center,LC-39A |
| Contractor | Rockwell International |
| Orbital parameters | |
| Reference system | Geocentric orbit |
| Regime | Geostationary orbit |
| Longitude | 174° West (1991–)[1] |
| Epoch | 3 August 1991 |
TDRS-5, known before launch asTDRS-E, is an Americancommunications satellite, of first generation, which is operated byNASA as part of theTracking and Data Relay Satellite System. It was constructed byTRW is based on a customsatellite bus which was used for all seven first generation TDRS satellites.[2]
It was launched aboardSpace Shuttle Atlantis during theSTS-43 mission.Atlantis launched fromLaunch Complex 39A at theKennedy Space Center on 2 August 1991 at 15:01:59UTC (11:01:59EDT).[3] TDRS-E was deployed fromAtlantis around six hours after launch, and was raised togeostationary orbit by means of anInertial Upper Stage. It was the only TDRS satellite to be deployed fromAtlantis.[3]
The twin-stage solid-propellent Inertial Upper Stage made two burns. The first stage burn occurred shortly after deployment, fromAtlantis, and placed the satellite into ageostationary transfer orbit (GTO). Around six hours later, it reachedapogee, and the second stage fired, placing TDRS-E intogeosynchronous orbit. At this point, it received its operational designation, TDRS-5. It was placed at a position over theequator, 174.0° West of theGreenwich Meridian,[1] from where it provides communications services to spacecraft in Earth orbit, including theSpace Shuttle andInternational Space Station.
