TDRS (Tracking and Data Relay Satellite)

TDRS, or Tracking and Data Relay Satellites, are a network of communication satellites operated by NASA that provide continuous contact with spacecraft orbiting Earth, such as the Space Shuttle, International Space Station, and planetary probes. Positioned in geostationary orbit, they relay data, scientific information, and commands between these spacecraft and mission control on the ground. This setup ensures reliable, high-speed communication, even when spacecraft are on the far side of Earth or in deep space, enabling efficient management and data transfer for space missions.