NASA Launches Next Generation Tracking Satellites

First of three Tracking and Data Relay Satellites launched

NASA's ability to track satellites and orbiting spacecraft is about to get a big boost, following the launch last night of a next-generation communication satellite.

The first of three Tracking and Data Relay Satellites (TDRS), known as TDRS-K, launched at 8:48 pm EST last night from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida aboard a United Launch Alliance Atlas V rocket.