[12-21-07 – Satellite Today] Boeing Co. has received a $695 million contract to build NASA‘s next generation Tracking and Data Relay Satellites (TDRS), Boeing announced Dec. 20.
    The contract, which is worth $1.2 billion if all options are exercised, 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.
    "This contract includes the design and manufacturing of the TDRS K series satellites as well as upgrades to NASA’s TDRS system ground terminals, and builds upon Boeing’s long and successful history with NASA," said Howard Chambers, vice president and general manager of Boeing Space and Intelligence Systems. "Three Boeing-built TDRS satellites are currently providing critical services to NASA and the nation’s space program, and we are committed to delivering satellites that expand the communications relay needs of NASA and its teams. Space-based communications assets are critical to the infrastructure of manned spaceflight systems, and TDRS plays an important role."