SPACEPHOTOS

(02/26/2002) -- The Lockheed Martin Atlas IIA rocket stands complete in the launch tower after mating of the nose fairing. The fairing encapsulates the Tracking and Data Relay Satellite-I (TDRS-I). The second in a new series of telemetry satellites, TDRS-I replenishes the existing on-orbit fleet of six spacecraft. The TDRS System is the primary source of space-to-ground voice, data and telemetry for the Space Shuttle. It also provides communications with the International Space Station and scientific spacecraft in low-Earth orbit such as the Hubble Space Telescope. This new advanced series of satellites will extend the availability of TDRS communications services until about 2017. Launch of TDRS-I is scheduled for March 8 between 5:39 - 6:19 p.m. EST