deepspace.jpl.nasa.gov

Deep Space Network

️Jermaine Walker
️Tue Feb 28 2023

What is the Deep Space Network?

The world’s largest telecommunications system.

The Deep Space Network—or DSN—is NASA’s international array of giant radio antennas that supports interplanetary spacecraft missions, plus a few that orbit Earth. The DSN also provides radar and radio astronomy observations that improve our understanding of the solar system and the larger universe.

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Scientists and engineers can infer a spacecraft’s location and how fast it’s going by measuring changes in the spacecraft’s radio signal frequency. This is made possible by the Doppler effect, the same phenomenon that causes a siren to sound different as it travels towards and away from you.

When scientists and engineers want to send commands to a spacecraft in deep space, they turn to the Deep Space Network, NASA’s international array of giant radio antennas used to communicate with spacecraft at the Moon and beyond.

How exactly do we navigate spacecraft that are so far away? Scientists and engineers on Earth can use precise measurements to know where faraway spacecraft are by using the Deep Space Network, NASA’s international collection of giant radio antennas used to communicate with spacecraft at the Moon and beyond.

Goldstone Apple Valley Radio Telescope (GAVRT)

Goldstone Apple Valley Radio Telescope (GAVRT) is located in Goldstone, California. It is a reconfigured antenna used for teaching purposes.

Interplanetary Network Directorate

The IND Commitments Office, Mission Support Definitions and Commitments is located at NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory. The IND Commitments Office personnel will assist persons designing new missions who are planning for support from the Deep Space Network.

DSN Visitor Centers

The Deep Space Network (DSN) consists of three facilities around the world. Check out each of the facilities’ websites to learn more about availability, hours of operation, and any special requirements.

DSN Posters

Download our eye-catching posters featuring the larger 70-meter (230-foot) antennas located at the three Deep Space Network complexes in the United States, Spain, and Australia.

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