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	+ ATP Home + Flight Research    Facilities Home		Description Although NASA’s Tracking and Data Relay Satellite System (TDRSS) provides the orbiter’s primary voice-communication link, the Test Range provides backup support for TDRSS should a failure occur. In addition, should a shuttle be diverted to Edwards for landing, the WATR assumes the primary responsibility for communications support. For shuttle flights that require rendezvous with the International Space Station (ISS), the Test Range provides critical docking and undocking information by tracking the space station from the day prior to shuttle launch throughout the entirety of the mission. During docking, Dryden capabilities are leveraged to assist engineers at Johnson to precisely determine the orbiter's location relative to the ISS. Above: Telemetry Antenna. Image credit: NASA   NASA's ATP Program Read about one of the largest, most versatile and comprehensive set of testing facilities in the nation. + View the fact sheet (PDF) Western Aeronautical Test Range + View the fact sheet (PDF) Western Aeronautical Test Range at DFRC Visit the WATR at NASA's Dryden Research Center. + View the site "The right facility at the right time" - NASA Aeronautics Test Program
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