# TDRS-9

> communications satellite

**Wikidata**: [Q7669873](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q7669873)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/TDRS-9)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/tdrs-9

## Summary
TDRS-9 is a communications satellite that is part of NASA's Tracking and Data Relay Satellite System (TDRS). Launched on March 8, 2002, it was the ninth satellite in the TDRS series and operated in geosynchronous orbit to provide critical communication support for space missions.

## Key Facts
- **Type**: Tracking and Data Relay Satellite (TDRS)
- **Launch Date**: March 8, 2002, at 22:59 UTC
- **Launch Site**: Cape Canaveral Launch Complex 36, United States
- **Launch Vehicle**: Atlas II (AC-143)
- **Manufacturer**: Boeing Satellite Development Center
- **Spacecraft Bus**: Boeing 601
- **Mass**: 3,196.8 kg at takeoff
- **Dimensions**: 21.0 meters (length) × 13.1 meters (width)
- **Power Output**: 2,300 watts
- **Operator**: National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA)
- **Orbit**: Geosynchronous orbit
- **Predecessor**: TDRS-8
- **Successor**: TDRS-10
- **COSPAR ID**: 2002-011A

## FAQs
### Q: What was the purpose of TDRS-9?
A: TDRS-9 was designed to provide continuous communication links between ground stations and spacecraft, including the International Space Station (ISS) and the Space Shuttle, ensuring real-time data transmission and command relay.

### Q: How long was TDRS-9 operational?
A: TDRS-9 remained operational until it was decommissioned, contributing to NASA's TDRS network for over two decades.

### Q: What was the significance of TDRS-9's launch?
A: TDRS-9 was part of NASA's efforts to maintain a robust satellite network for space communications, supporting missions that required uninterrupted data links.

## Why It Matters
TDRS-9 played a crucial role in NASA's space communication infrastructure, enabling real-time data transmission and command relay for missions such as the International Space Station and the Space Shuttle. As part of the TDRS system, it ensured continuous communication links, which are essential for the success of space exploration and scientific research. The satellite's operational lifespan contributed to the reliability and efficiency of NASA's communication network, supporting a wide range of space missions.

## Notable For
- **Part of the TDRS System**: TDRS-9 was one of the satellites in NASA's Tracking and Data Relay Satellite System, which provides critical communication support for space missions.
- **Geosynchronous Orbit**: TDRS-9 operated in a geosynchronous orbit, allowing it to maintain a fixed position relative to Earth, ensuring continuous coverage.
- **Boeing 601 Spacecraft Bus**: The satellite utilized Boeing's 601 spacecraft bus, which was designed for reliable and efficient satellite operations.
- **Atlas II Launch**: TDRS-9 was launched using the Atlas II rocket, which was part of NASA's fleet of expendable launch systems.

## Body
### Overview
TDRS-9 is a communications satellite developed by NASA as part of the Tracking and Data Relay Satellite (TDRS) system. It was launched on March 8, 2002, aboard an Atlas II rocket from Cape Canaveral Launch Complex 36. The satellite was built by the Boeing Satellite Development Center and operated in geosynchronous orbit.

### Technical Specifications
- **Mass**: TDRS-9 had a takeoff mass of 3,196.8 kg.
- **Dimensions**: The satellite measured 21.0 meters in length and 13.1 meters in width.
- **Power Output**: It generated 2,300 watts of power to support its communication and operational needs.
- **Spacecraft Bus**: The satellite utilized Boeing's 601 spacecraft bus, which was designed for reliable and efficient satellite operations.

### Operational Role
- **Communication Links**: TDRS-9 provided continuous communication links between ground stations and spacecraft, including the International Space Station (ISS) and the Space Shuttle.
- **Data Relay**: The satellite enabled real-time data transmission and command relay, which were essential for the success of space missions.
- **Part of the TDRS System**: TDRS-9 was one of the satellites in NASA's Tracking and Data Relay Satellite System, which provided critical communication support for space missions.

### Launch and Deployment
- **Launch Date**: March 8, 2002, at 22:59 UTC.
- **Launch Site**: Cape Canaveral Launch Complex 36, United States.
- **Launch Vehicle**: Atlas II (AC-143), an expendable launch system developed by Lockheed Martin.
- **Orbit**: Geosynchronous orbit, allowing TDRS-9 to maintain a fixed position relative to Earth.

### Predecessor and Successor
- **Predecessor**: TDRS-8, which was launched earlier in the TDRS series.
- **Successor**: TDRS-10, which followed TDRS-9 in the TDRS system.

## Schema Markup
```json
{
  "@context": "https://schema.org",
  "@type": "Thing",
  "name": "TDRS-9",
  "description": "A communications satellite part of NASA's Tracking and Data Relay Satellite System, launched in 2002 to support space missions.",
  "url": "https://www.nasa.gov/directorates/heo/scan/services/networks/tdrs_characteristics/",
  "sameAs": ["https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q27389", "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/TDRS-9"],
  "additionalType": "CommunicationsSatellite"
}

## References

1. Jonathan's Space Report
2. [Source](https://www.nasa.gov/directorates/heo/scan/services/networks/tdrs_characteristics/)