14 DAY TRIAL // Officials with the American space agency announce that NASA TV will be providing live coverage of the latest Tracking and Data Relay Satellite (TDRS) launch, currently scheduled to occur on January 23, 2014. The spacecraft, designated TDRS-L, is the twelfth in this constellation.
The satellite will be carried to Earth's orbit Oan Atlas V delivery system flying in the 401 configuration. The rocket is provided by the United Launch Alliance, and will lift off from Space Launch Complex 41 (SLC-41) at the Cape Canaveral Air Force Station (CCAFS), in Florida.
The launch window on January 23 extends from 9:05 pm to 9:45 pm EST (0205 to 0245 GMT, January 24). NASA will begin coverage of the event at around 6:30 pm (2330 GMT), and will be providing a series of features before the launch. The broadcast will conclude 1 hour and 46 minutes after launch.
The purpose of TDRS-L is to boost the capabilities of this communications and data relay constellation, which currently features eight active satellites in geosynchronous orbit. The TDRS network is used to keep in touch with various space probes and the International Space Station.