Atlas 5 Rocket Streak and VAB: TDRS-K Satellite

The United Launch Alliance Atlas V 401 rocket carrying NASA's Tracking and Data Relay Satellite-K, TDRS-K, streaks past the Vehicle Assembly Building and Launch Complex 39 at Kennedy Space Center in Florida after launching from Space Launch Complex 41 at 8:48 p.m. EST on Jan. 30, 2013.

ULA Atlas 5 Rocket Launches TDRS-K Satellite

A United Launch Alliance Atlas 5 rocket blasts off from Space Launch Complex-41 at 8:48 p.m. EST on Jan. 30, 2013, with NASA’s Tracking and Data Relay Satellite (TDRS-K) payload. This was the first of 13 ULA launches scheduled for 2013, the 35th Atlas 5 mission, and the 67th ULA launch.

Atlas 5 Rocket Streak and Lighthouse: TDRS-K Satellite

The United Launch Alliance Atlas 5 401 rocket carrying NASA's Tracking and Data Relay Satellite-K, TDRS-K, streaks past the lighthouse on Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida after launching from Space Launch Complex 41 at 8:48 p.m. EST on Jan. 30, 2013, in this long-exposure view.

ULA Atlas 5 Rocket Launches TDRS-K Satellite

A United Launch Alliance Atlas 5 rocket blasts off from Space Launch Complex-41 at 8:48 p.m. EST on Jan. 30, 2013, with NASA’s Tracking and Data Relay Satellite (TDRS-K) payload. This was the first of 13 ULA launches scheduled for 2013, the 35th Atlas 5 mission, and the 67th ULA launch.

Atlas 5 Rocket Streaks Into Space with TDRS-K Satellite

A United Launch Alliance Atlas 5 401 rocket streaks away from Space Launch Complex 41 into the night sky over Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida, carrying NASA's Tracking and Data Relay Satellite-K, TDRS-K, to orbit. Launch was at 8:48 p.m. EST on Jan. 30, 2013, in this long-exposure image.

Atlas 5 Rocket Launches NASA's TDRS-K Satellite

Plumes of exhaust and smoke form around a United Launch Alliance Atlas 5 401 rocket at 8:48 p.m. EST as it lifts off Space Launch Complex 41 on Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida, carrying NASA's Tracking and Data Relay Satellite-K, TDRS-K, to orbit on Jan. 30, 2013.

Atlas 5 Rocket Launches NASA's TDRS-K Satellite

A United Launch Alliance Atlas 5 rocket rises above the lightning masts on Space Launch Complex 41 on Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida, carrying NASA's Tracking and Data Relay Satellite-K, TDRS-K, to orbit on the night of Jan. 30, 2013.

Atlas 5 Rocket Launches NASA's TDRS-K Satellite

NASA's Tracking and Data Relay Satellite-K, TDRS-K, lights up the night sky as it begins its journey to orbit atop a United Launch Alliance Atlas V 401 rocket at 8:48 p.m. EST from Space Launch Complex 41 on Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida on Jan. 30, 2013.

NASA's TDRS-K Satellite Blasts Off

An Atlas 5 rocket carrying NASA's TDRS-K next-generation satellite launches from a pad at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida at 8:48 p.m. ET on Jan. 30, 2013.

NASA Launches TDRS-K Communications Satellite

An Atlas 5 rocket carrying NASA's TDRS-K next-generation satellite soars toward space from a pad at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida at 8:48 p.m. ET on Jan. 30, 2013.

NASA Launches TDRS-K Communications Satellite

An Atlas 5 rocket carrying NASA's TDRS-K next-generation satellite streaks spaceward from a pad at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida at 8:48 p.m. ET on Jan. 30, 2013.

NASA Launches TDRS-K Communications Satellite

An Atlas 5 rocket carrying NASA's TDRS-K next-generation satellite streaks spaceward from a pad at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida at 8:48 p.m. ET on Jan. 30, 2013.

Atlas 5 Rocket at Cape Canaveral

The Atlas 5 rocket is set to blast off from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida tonight (Jan. 30).

TDRS-K Set to Launch

The 11th Tracking Data and Relay Satellite (TDRS-K) is set to launch tonight (Jan. 30).

TDRS-K Set to Launch

The 11th Tracking Data and Relay Satellite (TDRS-K) and the Atlas 5 rocket that will take it to space at one hour until launch.

Mission Control during TDRS-K Launch

NASA's mission control room is full in anticipation of the TDRS-K launch tonight (Jan. 30).

Atlas 5 Moving the TDRS-K Satellite

NASA established the TDRS project in 1973 to provide around-the-clock and around-the-Earth communications for the network that routes voice calls, telemetry streams and television signals from the International Space Station, as well as other orbiting spacecraft.

NASA's TDRS-K Communications Satellite Explained (Infographic)

See how NASA's TDRS-K satellite works with the agency's Tracking and Data Relay Satellites constellation to provide continuous contact with spacecraft orbiting Earth in this SPACE.com Infographic.

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NASA Readies Addition To Fleet Of Communication Satellites

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NASA Preparing To Launch New Communication Satellite

Boeing Tech Checks Out TDRS-K Spacecraft

In the Astrotech payload processing facility in Titusville, Fla. near NASA’s Kennedy Space Center, a Boeing technician checks out the Tracking and Data Relay Satellite, TDRS-K. This image was released Jan. 11, 2013.

Artist Concept of the TDRS-K Spacecraft

An artist concept of the TDRS-K spacecraft in orbit with its assortment of antennas and a pair of solar arrays to provide electricity.

Launch Photos: NASA's TDRS-K Communications Satellite Blasts Off

Date: 30 January 2013 Time: 08:23 PM ET
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