NASA launches TDRS-K satellite to 'replenish aging space network'

There's nothing worse than an old space network, but thankfully NASA's working on getting some new technology into orbit. The organization just launched the first of three new satellites on the back of a United Launch Alliance Atlas V rocket, the first step in the "replenishment of our aging space network," according to project manager Jeffrey Gramling. The TDRS-K offers up tracking, telemetry and more, in order to improve communications for space exploration. The satellite is entering a three-month test period, before NASA actually puts it into action. Next year, it will be joined by the TDRS-L, followed by the TDRS-M, which is set to be fully built by 2015.