A: The DSN has three sites located approximately 120 degrees of longitude apart around the world in California (in the Mojave Desert), in Spain (near Madrid) and in Australia (near Canberra).

A: Yes, that's exactly it. We were also looking for dry climate, desert-like environments, and isolated locations with plenty of room. It isn't perfect. Spain, I think is slightly closer to Goldstone than Canberra, but it's good as we get. Because there was a third consideration, and that was a friendly nation with long-term political stability. So all those things had to be taken into account.

A: If we only had one antenna site, as the Earth rotated, any spacecraft we were communicating with could only be in 'line of sight' with that one location for a maximum of 10 - 12 hours a day. The rest of the time the one site would be turned away from the spacecraft because the Earth rotated. By having three sites, as the Earth rotates, the first antenna site 'hands off' the tracking to the next site, thereby maintaining constant communications. So California hands off to Canberra, and Canberra to Madrid, then back to California.

A: We have 3 70-meter stations, 3 26-meter stations, and 9 34-meter antennas. A total of 15.

A: They are all located within the three DSN complexes: Madrid, Canberra and Goldstone. Goldstone is the central point of the DSN with the most antennas. We actually have 6 34-meter antennas there. Because it is in close proximity to JPL, we are able to conduct experimental work there so have one R&D antenna in addition to the communications stations.

A: Goldstone is located on land leased from the Fort Irwin Military Base, north east of Barstow, California, in the Mojave Desert.

A: Yes, public tours are available Monday through Friday, morning or afternoon. For additional information, call Marie Massey at 760.255.8687 (760.ALL.TOUR). For further details, click here.

A: The Madrid Complex, MDSCC, part of the DSN is located some 60 km west of Madrid city, where unfortunately there is no public transportation.

It is managed by Ingenieria y Servicios Aeroespaciales, S.A. (INSA), which is a State company under INTA (Instituto Nacional de Tecnica Aeroespacial).

There is a new Training/Visitors Center (TVC) at the complex where visitors may see exhibits relating to the Deep Space Network, NASA, and many of the missions supported by the complex. The TVC provides a close of view of the huge antennas on the site.

The TVC is open from Tuesday to Friday, from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. and on Saturday and Sunday from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. For further information please contact Carolina Gutierrez at 91 867 73 21.

A: The Canberra complex is actually about an hour's drive from that city in an area named Tidbinbilla. You can see the antennas but cannot actually tour the site. They have an excellent visitors' center and provide a comprehensive description of the activities of the Complex. The Canberra Space Center is open 7 days a week and admittance is free. Group visits should book ahead. For further information and directions, see the website at http://www.cdscc.nasa.gov.