TDRS-6

Tracking and Data Relay Satellite - Also called TDRS F

Launch data:

Designation	22314 / 93003B
Launch date	13 Jan 1993 - 13:59:30 UT
Launch site	MLP2, KSC LC-39B
Launch vehicle	Shuttle STS-54
Mission	Government/Commercial: Communications
Geostationary orbit:
Perigee / Apogee	35773 x 35787 km
Eccentricity	1,66E-04
Inclination	8.74 deg
Period	1435.7 min

Prime contractor	TRW Defense and Space System Group
Platform
Operator	NASA/SES Americom
Mass at launch	3180 kg
Dry Mass	1600 kg
Basic shape
Dimension (m)
Solar array
Stabilization
DC power	1800 W
Design lifetime	10 yrs - still active

Columbia Communications Corp. reached an agreement with NASA for commercial operations (C-band telecommunications) on this satellite. The satellite will be marketed as COLUMBIA/TDRSS AOR-II and will join two other NASA Tracking and Data Relay Satellite System (TDRSS) satellites currently being operated by Columbia under and exclusive agreement with NASA.
Endeavour launching TDRS-6 during STS-54; these two spacecraft, the last from the original order, remain in operation located at 161 degrees west and 62 degrees west.
Tracking and communications with space shuttle, other missions; leased access to C-band by Americom.

Ref.: #7, #15, #226 - update: 27.10.04