TDRS-3

USA

Spacecraft nº:

USA satellite nº:

TDRS = Tracking and Data Relay Satellite

Launch data:

Designation	19548 / 88091B
Launch date	29 Sep 1988 - 15:37 UT
Launch site	MLP2, KSC LC-39B
Launch vehicle	Shuttle STS-26
Mission	Government: Communications
Geostationary orbit on:
Perigee / Apogee	35693 x 35878 km
Eccentricity	2.19E-03
Inclination	11.53 deg
Period	1436.06 min
VEL	11108.28 km/h

Backup; Still partially operational

Spacecraft data:

Prime contractor	TRW Defense and Space Systems Group
Platform
Operator	NASA
Mass at launch	3180 kg
Dry Mass	1600 kg
Basic shape
Dimension (m)
Solar array
Stabilization
DC power	1800 W
Design lifetime	10 yrs - After32 years, still partially aperational

Location:

Begin	End	Position
L: 29 Sep 1988		171°W
1990	1991	174°W
1991	1994	62°W
1994	1995	171°W
Jun 1995		85°E, inclined: supports GRO and tested with HST
2009		84.41°E

Mission details:

When Space Shuttle missions resumed in 1988, TDRS-3 was the primary payload for the return-to-flight mission, STS-26, flown by Discovery. TDRS-3 remains operable, and is located at 49 degrees west as a reserve satellite.

STS-26 Discovery, IUS / TDRS-3 deployment - Credit: NASA.

Ref.: #6n, #7, #8, #226, #260 - update: 07.02.14