// ORBITAL LOGISTICS AND PROPULSION TERM
Deep Space Network
A worldwide network of large antennas used by NASA to communicate with spacecraft on interplanetary missions. It allows sending commands and receiving data from probes far beyond Earth.
TECHNICAL DEFINITION
The Deep Space Network (DSN) is a global array of large radio antennas operated by NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) for interplanetary spacecraft communications, enabling command uplink, telemetry downlink, and radio science for missions like Voyager, Mars rovers, and Juno.
BACKGROUND
Deep Space Systems, Inc (DSS) is a private aerospace company dedicated to systems engineering that supports the design, development, integration, testing and operations of science and exploration spacecraft.
READ MORE ON WIKIPEDIASYNONYMS & ALIASES
- DSN
- NASA DSN
- Deep Space Comms
- Interplanetary Network
USAGE NOTE
The DSN is critical for maintaining contact with missions exploring the outer solar system.
DEVELOPERS
Organizations developing technology related to Deep Space Network.
JPL manages and operates the Deep Space Network (DSN) on behalf of NASA. It is an international network of large antennas and communication facilities that supports interplanetary spacecraft missions and some that orbit Earth.
ESA operates ESTRACK, its own global network of ground stations used for tracking and communicating with spacecraft in interplanetary missions, high Earth orbits, and at launch.
As a prime government contractor, Peraton is responsible for the operations, maintenance, and engineering of NASA's Deep Space Network, providing the critical link for commanding and receiving data from spacecraft across the solar system.
ISRO operates the Indian Deep Space Network (IDSN), a network of large antennas and support facilities established to support its interplanetary space missions, such as the Mars Orbiter Mission (Mangalyaan) and Chandrayaan.
A private, commercial operator of a deep space communications station in the United Kingdom. Goonhilly provides tracking and telemetry services for lunar and interplanetary missions for government agencies like ESA and private companies.
JAXA manages its own deep space network, centered around the Usuda Deep Space Center, to communicate with its interplanetary probes like Hayabusa2 and other deep space exploration missions.
CNSA operates the Chinese Deep Space Network, a global network of large antennas used to support its ambitious lunar, Martian, and interplanetary exploration programs, including the Chang'e and Tianwen missions.