Improving Small Satellite Communications and Tracking in Deep Space—A Review of the Existing Systems and Technologies With Recommendations for Improvement. Part III: The Deep Space Network

This article is the third of a three-part series in which we present the results of a study exploring concepts for improving communications and tracking capabilities of deep space SmallSats. In Part I, we discussed SmallSat direct-to-Earth links as well as SmallSat communications equipment, and provided recommendations for future work. In Part II, we focused on SmallSat navigation options, disruption tolerant networking, proximity links, and the use of the communication link for science observations. In Part III, we focus on ground support of deep space SmallSats. We present a brief overview of NASA's deep space network (DSN) along with concepts for adapting the DSN to improve support for SmallSats. We discuss approaches for increasing the DSN's efficiency in handling the anticipated increase in SmallSat communications, such as reducing setup and teardown times for a communications pass, and reducing DSN time allocated to Doppler and range measurements. A new demand access operational paradigm is proposed, which is more consistent with SmallSat communications requirements and will facilitate the DSN handling of larger numbers of spacecraft. Finally, we present the conclusion of the study as a list of recommendations to improve SmallSat communications and tracking.