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ABOUT THE DEEP SPACE NETWORK

The NASA Deep Space Network - or DSN - is an international network of antennas that supports interplanetary spacecraft missions and radio and radar astronomy observations for the exploration of the solar system and the universe. The network also supports selected Earth-orbiting missions.

The DSN currently consists of three deep-space communications facilities placed approximately 120 degrees apart around the world: at Goldstone, in California's Mojave Desert; near Madrid, Spain; and near Canberra, Australia. This strategic placement permits constant observation of spacecraft as the Earth rotates, and helps to make the DSN the largest and most sensitive scientific telecommunications system in the world.

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Ulysses Project Enjoys Long Partnership with DSN
08.12.08 - Since its launch from Space Shuttle Discovery in October 1990, spacecraft engineers and scientists have worked closely with the Deep Space Network. Ulysses has been collecting valuable scitnse data on the Sun for over 17 years. READ MORE...
Students will soon contribute to a NASA Mission to the Moon
Students will soon contribute to a NASA Mission to the Moon
Students participating the Goldstone Apple Valley Radio Telescope (GAVRT) Project will assist engineers working with NASA's Lunar Crater Observing and Sensing Satellite (LCROSS) Mission is collecting spacecraft telemetry data received during the spacecraft's journey to the Moon.

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Features
Goldstone Deep Space Communications Complex Tours
Goldstone Deep Space Communications Complex Tours
Public Tours of the Goldstone Deep Space Communications Complex are available. Advance reservations are required. Call 760.255.8687 for additional information. READ MORE...
Where Are the Missions that the DSN is Tracking?
Where Are the Missions that the DSN is Tracking?
To view trajectory maps and information on the current location of spacecraft that the Deep Space Network is curently tracking, click here. READ MORE...
Radio Astronomy in the Classroom
Radio Astronomy in the Classroom
The Goldstone Apple Valley Radio Telescope (GAVRT) Project gives students the opportunity to partner with scientists in accomplishing real scientific objectives using a 34-meter (110 ft) radio telescope. READ MORE...
View Our Video
(QuickTime, 23.8 MB)
How a DSN Station Is Built
How a DSN Station Is Built
Here's a short photo essay with captions of the building of a 34-meter antenna. READ MORE...
Communicating Through Space
Communicating Through Space
To see a 3-minute video describing the DSN and its critical role in supporting space missions, choose one of the formats below.
MPEG (36.9 MB)
QuickTime (11.4 MB)
MORE VIDEOS...
Build Your Own DSN Station
Build Your Own DSN Station
Learn all about Deep Space Network tracking stations by building this educational scale model of a 34m Beam Waveguide Deep Space Station. READ MORE...
Why Do You Need a Big Antenna?
Why Do You Need a Big Antenna?
Dr. Dish explains why antennas have to be so big in order to receive signals from spacecraft in the far reaches of our solar system.
MEET DR. DISH! (Requires Flash Plugin)
Bringing Images from Space to Earth
Bringing Images from Space to Earth
Have you ever wondered how NASA obtains those beautiful pictures of planets and distant moons? This brief tutorial takes you through the process step by step from spacecraft camera to finished photograph. READ MORE...
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