NASA Back On Familiar Turf With Boeing

NASA has returned to Boeing [NYSE: BA] for its nexgen series of Tracking and Data Relay Satellites (TDRS), continuing the communications satellite line that started with the launch of TDRS H in 2000 and, coupled with Boeing’s other work for NASA, spans more than four decades. Valued at US$695m, US$1.2B if all options are exercised, the contract calls for two spacecraft and increases Boeing’s satellite backlog to 27 spacecraft. The TDRS-K satellite will be ready for launch in 2012, and TDRS-L will be ready for launch in 2013. Boeing has teamed with General Dynamics, which will update and modify the existing TDRS system ground terminals, located near Las Cruces, New Mexico. The ground terminals, known as the White Sands Complex, are the primary two-way communications link between the TDRS satellites and the ground-based elements of the TDRS system communications network.



The satellites incorporate a modern design based on flight-proven performance. The three previous TDRS satellites were based on Boeing 702-class electronics, which are still the standard for the newest spacecraft Boeing is building today. Additionally, Boeing has modernized the technologies in the payload, power and propulsion subsystems to current state-of-the-art technologies being used in other Boeing-built spacecraft. This will expand the capabilities of NASA’s Tracking and Data Relay Satellite System as this communication signal relay system provides tracking and data acquisition services between Earth-orbiting spacecraft, such as the International Space Station (ISS), the space shuttle, the Orion crew exploration vehicle, and their respective control and data processing facilities—St. Louis, Missouri




Boeing has also formed a brand new division. Called the Intelligence and Security Systems division, this unit will focus on government customers. Developed by the department will be a variety of integrated intel and security programs. Coming in as the Vice President and General Manager of this new division will be former astronaut, and U.S. Naval Reserve Rear Admiral, Steve Oswald—St. Louis, Missouri