NASA Opens Media Accreditation For TDRS-L Launch

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Dec 09, 2013, 02:49 ET

WASHINGTON, Dec. 9, 2013 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Media accreditation is open for the launch of NASA's Tracking and Data Relay Satellite (TDRS)-L. Liftoff atop a United Launch Alliance Atlas V rocket from Space Launch Complex 41 at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida is targeted for 9:05 p.m. EST Thursday, Jan. 23, at the opening of a 40-minute launch window.

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International media without U.S. citizenship must apply for credentials by 4 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 18, to cover the prelaunch and launch activities. For U.S. media, the deadline to apply is 4 p.m. Monday, Jan. 13.

All media accreditation requests must be submitted online at:

https://media.ksc.nasa.gov

Late credential submissions will result in limited access to launch activities. For questions about accreditation or additional information, contact Jennifer Horner at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida at 321-867-6598.

NASA's TDRS spacecraft fleet provides communication services such as tracking, telemetry, command and high bandwidth data return for numerous science and human exploration missions orbiting Earth. These include NASA's Hubble Space Telescope and the International Space Station. TDRS-L is the second of three new satellites designed to ensure vital operational continuity for NASA by expanding the lifespan of the fleet, which consists of eight satellites in geostationary orbit. TDRS-L has a high-performance solar panel designed for more spacecraft power to meet the growing S-band communications requirements.

Boeing Space and Intelligence Systems of El Segundo, Calif., built TDRS-L. NASA's Space Communications and Navigation Program, a part of the Human Exploration and Operations Mission Directorate at NASA Headquarters in Washington, is responsible for the TDRS network. Launch management of the Atlas V launch service for TDRS-L is the responsibility of the mission directorate's Launch Services Program at Kennedy.

For more information about the mission, visit:

http://tdrs.gsfc.nasa.gov

SOURCE NASA