Astrotech Space Operations has announced that NASA has awarded Astrotech a $2.0 million task order to provide facilities and pre-launch processing services for the scheduled 2013 launch of Tracking and Data Relay Satellite (TDRS-L).

Last year, NASA awarded ASO a task order to provide pre-launch facilities and payload processing services for TDRS-K, scheduled to launch from Cape Canaveral, Florida, in December 2012.

These third generation TDRS missions are the fourth and fifth satellites in the previously announced $12.5 million NASA indefinite delivery, indefinite quantity (IDIQ) contract with Astrotech Space Operations.

"NASA has been successfully launching TDRS missions since 1983, however TDRS-K and L will be the first TDRS missions processed at Astrotech," stated ASO General Manager Don M. White Jr.

"Astrotech is proud to join NASA's TDRS team."

Processing continues at ASO for NASA's Radiation Belt Storm Probes (RBSP) satellite currently scheduled for an August 23, 2012 launch.

From Titusville, Florida, and Vandenberg Air Force Base, California, Astrotech Space Operations provides all support necessary for government and commercial customers to successfully process their satellite hardware for launch, including advanced planning; use of unique facilities; and spacecraft checkout, encapsulation, fueling and transport.

In its 30-year history, Astrotech has supported the successful processing of nearly 300 spacecraft.