TDRS L satellite. Photo: NASA

[Via Satellite 01-27-2014] Boeing has received the first on-orbit signals from the Tracking and Data Relay Satellite (TDRS L). As the fifth Boeing-built satellite to join NASA’s space communications network, the TDRS will assist in communication with orbiting spacecraft, studying the Earth’s changing climate and looking into deep space through the Hubble Space Telescope.

“This advanced satellite is an important part of NASA’s critical communications relay network and will improve capacity and enhance bandwidth at the lowest cost,” said Craig Cooning, vice president and general manager of Boeing Space & Intelligence Systems.