Currently, the new TDRS carries the letter K designation (TDRS-K), but once it starts operations it will be dubbed TDRS-11. The satellite, launched by ULA’s Atlas V rocket, will reach its intended 22,300-mile-high orbit in approximately two weeks. Once in place, testing will begin and carry on for a few months.

   NASA expects to have at least seven of these satellites simultaneously working in orbit at all times. The TDRS-K will make eight at the current time. Additionally, the agency has already scheduled the next launch for the TDRS-L next year. The first TDRS was launched in 1983 and was recently retired along with the fourth.