ronnie@mit-eddie.UUCP (Ronnie Schnell) (07/08/83)
When will the shuttles begin using the communcations sattelites so that they can be in communcations with earth 100% of the time?
bernie@watarts.UUCP (07/19/83)
In order for there to be continuous shuttle-ground communications, all three TDRS (Tracking and Data Relay Satellites) must be in place. The first has just recently arrived at its designated orbital location, having been the victim of a failure in the IUS (the stage that was supposed to deliver it). Until the IUS problem has been found and fixed, the other two TDRS's are on hold. Thus, it will be a while yet before the complete communications system is in place. --Bernie Roehl ...decvax!watmath!watarts!bernie