The Aquarium is closed Thursday, October 16 and Friday, October 17, due to a facilities-related issue. Unfortunately, we are unable to welcome guests while we resolve this situation. Please check back here for any impact to opening hours for Saturday, October 18.
The National Aquarium will attend the launch of NASA's newest satellite–and will share all the action live on social media!
On Friday morning, the latest satellite in the Tracking and Data Relay Satellites (TDRS) program will launch at Kennedy Space Center. The TDRS-M satellite is the third of its kind and is the next step in developing the Space Network, which was developed in the 1980s. This series of satellites helps improve communications and data relay from missions such as the Hubble Space Telescope and the International Space Station.
This suite of satellites helps NASA lead missions that improve understanding of our planet and universe in greater detail. The sophisticated data relay technology and communications capabilities of these satellites will continue to strengthen the space program and our collective understanding of the universe–including our blue planet. NASA is committed to the continued study of our ocean, which bolsters understanding of our global environment—and these satellites will afford new opportunities to learn about the Earth and greater solar system.
Follow along on Twitter for live coverage of the satellite's launch on Friday!
