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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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DSN Performs Major Maintenance on 70-meter Antenna
8 March 2010 - The Deep Space Network began a several month maintenance effort on the 70-meter antenna at Goldstone Deep Space Communications Complex. Watch the effort progress on our webcam. READ MORE...
70 Meter Dish At Goldstone Returns to Service
70 Meter Dish At Goldstone Returns to Service
After 8 months of maintenance that included replacing the runners, the 70 meter antenna at Goldstone was brought back into service in early November 2010. A ceremony on November 9 marked the event.

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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 760.255.8688 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)
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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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