NASA Has Another TDRS
NASA Launches TDRS-L a Third Generation Communications Satellite (with video)
“NASA’s Tracking and Data Relay Satellite L (TDRS-L), the 12th spacecraft in the agency’s TDRS Project, is safely in orbit after launching at 9:33 p.m. EST Thursday aboard a United Launch Alliance Atlas V rocket from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida.”
– Boeing TDRS-L Relay Satellite Sends 1st Signals from Space
– ULA Successfully Launches Tracking and Data Relay Satellite
I’m thinking like GPS and weather satellites, this is something you don’t want to get behind with and then find you’re a failure or two away from severely reduced capability. So it’s definitely good for them to get this up.