Boeing Gets NASA Approval to Build New TDRS satellites

[Satellite TODAY 02-23-10] Boeing’s Tracking and Data Relay Satellite (TDRS) K-L program completed a NASA system-level critical design review and production readiness review on Feb. 19, Boeing announced Feb. 23.
    The testing validated that TDRS K-L’s system design will meet NASA’s requirements and will operate effectively when the satellites launch in 2012 and 2013.
    Boeing will now begin assembly of the K and L satellites, the 11th and 12th satellites to be built for the TDRS system, which aim to provide voice, data and communications relay services to Earth-orbiting spacecraft, such as the International Space Station, several launch vehicles and the Hubble Space Telescope.