Space Tracking and Data System, Emphasizing the Commercial Aspects

Near-earth orbit tracking and data acquisition activities are evolving from a ground tracking station network located in the U.S. and around the world, to a space network of two tracking and data relay satellites plus an in-orbit spare in geosynchronous orbit. This paper briefly discusses the major elements that comprise this evolving Tracking and Data Relay Satellite System (TDRSS) Network that provides the basis for the tracking and data relay satellite (TDRS) operations in the 1980´s and emphasizes the commercial aspects of the system.