SPACEPHOTOS

(03/08/2002) -- The Lockheed Martin Atlas/Centaur rocket stands free from the launch tower after rollback. The rocket will carry the Tracking and Data Relay Satellite-I (TDRS-I) into orbit. 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 atop the Atlas rocket is scheduled between 5:39 - 6:19 p.m. EST from Launch Pad 36-A, Cape Canaveral Air Force Station