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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
The Atlas 5 rocket is set to blast off from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida tonight (Jan. 30).
The 11th Tracking Data and Relay Satellite (TDRS-K) is set to launch tonight (Jan. 30).
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.
NASA's mission control room is full in anticipation of the TDRS-K launch tonight (Jan. 30).
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.
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.
NASA Readies Addition To Fleet Of Communication Satellites
NASA Preparing To Launch New Communication Satellite
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.
An artist concept of the TDRS-K spacecraft in orbit with its assortment of antennas and a pair of solar arrays to provide electricity.
