Earth-based antenna network tradeoffs for NASA's Space Exploration Initiative (SEI)

The results of a tradeoff study conducted for selection of the most viable Earth-based antenna network architecture for support of NASA's Space Exploration Initiative (SEI) lunar and Mars missions are summarized. The study addressed the lunar mission support requirements, and examined the performance, operations, and cost tradeoffs of using either the NASA Deep Space Network (DSN) large 34-m antennas or smaller commercial antennas to replace or supplement the 34-m antennas. The results are presented as a set of eight tables.<
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