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NASA's Tracking and Data Relay Satellite M (TDRS-M) spacecraft will be redesignated TDRS-13 upon reaching orbit. It is the third, and final, third generation TDRS satellite to be launched. Like the two other third generation spacecraft, it will be launched atop a United Launch Alliance (ULA) Atlas V 401 rocket from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station's Space Launch Complex 41 in Florida. TDRS-M was built by Boeing and is based off of the aerospace company's BSS-601HP satellite bus. When loaded with propellant, the spacecraft will have a mass of approximately 7,615 lbs (3,454 kilograms) and is planned to have an operational life of some 15 years. Photos courtesy: Mike Howard
