TDRS-I Stranded in Useless Orbit
Industry sources tell SpaceRef that the recently-launched TDRS-I satellite experienced propulsion (pressurization) problems during its movement up to Geosynchronous orbit (GEO). The current predicament leaves the satellite stranded in a useless orbit. Talk of a possible Shuttle rescue has surfaced.
According to a Boeing TDRS Factsheet: “.. to enhance its financial efficiency and hardware reliability, NASA changed to greater contractor accountability. As a safeguard against TDRS service failure, the contract specifies a payback schedule to reimburse NASA for any failures incurred during the first 8 years of the satellites’ 11-year operational lifetimes.”
NASA and Boeing declined to comment on Thursday but plan on releasing a formal statement on Friday.
“Boeing detected a problem with the supply of propellant from one of the satelliteÕs four tanks. NASA was immediately notified.”
Boeing has been conducting a thorough investigation into the cause of the anomaly and has developed and is implementing procedures to get the satellite to its operational geosynchronous orbital position in order to meet established mission requirements and hand over the satellite in accordance with the customer’s operational need date.”
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