Earth-lunar communications using the advanced TDRSS

Abstract

The Tracking and Data Relay Satellite System (TDRSS) is an operational geostationary satellite system used by the NASA to communicate with low earth orbiting missions such as the NASA Space Transportation System and the Hubble Space Telescope. The Advanced TDRSS (ATDRSS) is a continuation to TDRSS and will develop new spacecraft to replenish and maintain the TDRSS space network into the second decade of the 21st century. This paper describes an approach which could permit the future ATDRSS space network to meet the future communications required for lunar missions as well as those projected for low earth missions in this time frame.