Earth ID: 12720

Data Relay Network

Story by Ellen T. Gray | Visualizations by Kel Elkins and Chris Meaney and Walt Feimer Released on November 27, 2017

With two-thirds of our planet covered in water, satellites observing Earth in low orbit or in elliptical orbits aren't always in range of stations on the ground that can receive their data. That's where NASA's network of Tracking and Data Relay Satellites, or TDRS, comes in. These ten satellites circle Earth out in geosynchronous orbit, turning with Earth to remain in position over the same spot on the ground. From this position, one of these communications satellites is always within range of the science satellites - and the ground stations on Earth that can receive their data. Managed by NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center, TDRS satellites relay science data and spacecraft operating data back to Earth, as well as track the spacecraft's location. They also relay commands from engineers on the ground to the satellites. Watch the videos to learn more.

Source Material

For More Information

NASA.gov

Story Credits

Lead Visualizers/Animators:
Kel Elkins (USRA)
Chris Meaney (KBR Wyle Services, LLC)
Walt Feimer (KBR Wyle Services, LLC)

Lead Producer:
Stuart A. Snodgrass (KBR Wyle Services, LLC)

Lead Writer:
Ellen T. Gray (ADNET Systems, Inc.)

Please give credit for this item to:
NASA's Scientific Visualization Studio

Short URL to share this page:
https://svs.gsfc.nasa.gov/12720

Keywords:
SVS >> HDTV
SVS >> App
NASA Science >> Earth