The Tracking and Data Relay Satellite-I (TDRS-I), built by Boeing Satellite Systems (BSS) for NASA, was launched at 5:59 p.m. EST March 8 aboard an Atlas IIA rocket from Cape Canaveral Air Station, Fla. Subsequently, BSS detected a problem with the supply of propellant from one of the satellitešs four tanks. NASA was immediately notified.

BSS has been conducting a thorough investigation into the cause of the anomaly and has developed and is implementing procedures to get the satellite to its operational geosynchronous orbital position. BSS intends to meet the established mission requirements and hand over the satellite in accordance with the customeršs operational need date. The satellitešs current orbit apogee is 35,800 kilometers (22,236 miles) and the perigee is approximately 8,000 kilometers (4,970 miles). BSS is continuing successful orbit-raising maneuvers and is confident that it can resolve this anomaly.

BSSšs Mission Control Center is operating the satellite in close coordination with NASA.