Status Report on TDRSS

Abstract

The NASA Satellite Tracking and Data Network (STDN) will be replaced by the Tracking and Data Relay Satellite System (TDRSS) during the 19801's. The coverage available to user satellites will be increased dramatically and very high data rates will be provided. Real-time data analysis and adaptive satellite control will be possible with the availability of continuous two-way communications. TDRSS will provide these benefits while lowering the cost of tracking and communicating with NASA satellites. Communication requirements will be different for satellite designers in the 1980 period. TDRSS user satellites will require higher transmitter power and more sensitive receivers, and will communicate using special TDRSS modulation formats. There will be less onboard data storage. This paper provides an overview of the TDRSS as it is being built. The major system features are described, and some of the system characteristics that will affect user satellite mission planning are considered.