Throwback to 1989 as NASA gets ready to launch TDRS-M. STS-29 launched aboard space shuttle Discovery to deliver the Tracking and Data Relay Satellite-D. The third successful launch of the Tracking and Data Relay Satellite series, TDRS-D was used in combination with other TDRS spacecraft and a ground communications system to form the Tracking and Data Relay Satellite System. The prime goal of the TDRS system was to provide continuous communication services to NASA's most critical low-Earth-orbiting missions and improve the amount of data received. Credit: NASA #NASA #throwbackthurday #shuttle #spacecoast #TDRS #tbt