TDRS-5

TDRS-5, known before launch as TDRS-E, is an American communications satellite, of first generation, which is operated by NASA as part of the Tracking and Data Relay Satellite System. It was constructed by TRW is based on a custom satellite bus which was used for all seven first generation TDRS satellites.

History

[Image:STS-43 Launch - GPN-2000-000731.jpg|left|thumb|150px|The launch of STS-43, carrying TDRS-E]
It was launched aboard during the STS-43 mission. Atlantis launched from Launch Complex 39A at the Kennedy Space Center on 2 August 1991 at 15:01:59 UTC. TDRS-E was deployed from Atlantis around six hours after launch, and was raised to geostationary orbit by means of an Inertial [Upper Stage]. It was the only TDRS satellite to be deployed from Atlantis.

Deployment

The twin-stage solid-propellent Inertial Upper Stage made two burns. The first stage burn occurred shortly after deployment, from Atlantis, and placed the satellite into a geostationary transfer orbit. Around six hours later, it reached apogee, and the second stage fired, placing TDRS-E into geosynchronous orbit. At this point, it received its operational designation, TDRS-5. It was placed at a position over the equator, 174.0° West of the Greenwich Meridian, from where it provides communications services to spacecraft in Earth orbit, including the Space Shuttle and International Space Station.