TDRS F1 to F7 Series satellites are "First Generation" launched between 1983 - 1995 by TRW Corporation. "Second Generation" H, I and J Series have been launched and are operational.

Each of the two Single Access Antennas can be independently pointed at different seismic vessels for simultaneous data transfer. Data received from the seismic vessel(s) is transmitted to Earth using the Space to Ground Link Antenna which is permanently pointed at White Sands Center. The Ku band of frequencies is used for this transfer at 311 Mbps* transfer rates. Rates of 466 and 622 Mbps are under development. This antenna is also available for transmission from White Sands to the seismic vessel at 50 Mbps.

*Mbps = million bits per second

Summary of Service Capabilities for TDRSS F1-F7 series satellites and TDRSS H, I & J series currently being deployed:

Table of transmission rates for various file sizes. For example, a 10 streamer dual source, 240 channel per streamer acquisition configuration will generate about 150 GBytes per day of raw 2ms sample rate seismic data. This can be transmitted from the vessel to the White Sands Center in 74 minutes, using currently available TDRS technology which transmits at 311Mbits per second. Transmission capabilities of 466 and 622 Mbits per second are currently under development.