KSC-02pd1498

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- The first stage of an Atlas/Centaur booster (AC-144) is delivered to Launch Complex 36A at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in preparation for the launch of TDRS-J. The third in a series of telemetry satellites, TDRS-J will help replenish the current constellation of geosynchronous TDRS satellites. 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.