The Goldstone antenna near Barstow is one of three antennas around the world that are part of NASA's Deep Space Network. Larger Image

The NASA Deep Space Network (DSN) is an international network of antennas that provide the communication links between the scientists and engineers on Earth to the missions in space and on Mars.

The DSN 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 on its own axis.

Learn more about:

• the size and strength of the DSN Antennas
  
  
• how the DSN prevents "busy signals"
  
  
• how the DSN helps engineers navigate the spacecraft during cruise
  
  
• special signal tones the DSN will receive during entry, descent, and landing
  
  
• how the rover can communicate through Mars-orbiting spacecraft
  
  
• X-band radio waves used by the rover to communicate
  
  
• how fast and how much data the rover can send back