The Tracking and Data Relay Satellite

The first Tracking and Data Relay Satellite (TDRS), a 5000 lb space vehicle that is to be launched by NASA in 1983 via the Space Shuttle, is described. The three principal modules of the TDRS are discussed, namely (1) the spacecraft structure module that houses the attitude control, electrical power, propulsion, and telemetry tracking, and command subsystems; (2) the payload structure module that contains the telecommunications equipment; and (3) the antenna module that supports the deployable and fixed antennas and the multiple access array. Forward and return processor frequency plans are included, as are the MA multiplexer frequency plan, the SGL antenna functional diagram, the master frequency generator functional block diagram, and the advanced WESTAR payload simplified functional diagram.