Deep Space Network

The Deep Space Network (DSN) is an international network of antennas located on Earth and dedicated to the communication with interplanetary missions and astronomical radio observations. Currently, there are three sites based approximately 120° apart in the Mojave Desert, California (USA), Madrid (Spain) and Canberra (Australia). The dispersion of antennas allow mission controllers to keep constant watch on all interplanetary missions regardless on Earth's rotation. There is only a small gap in time for the communication with Mars when the planets are in conjunction.

This network may be used for an interplanetary internet link.

Open issues

• How long is the gap and how often does it occur?

External links

• NASA site for the DSN

This article is a stub. You can help Marspedia by expanding it.