The Deep Space Network

This chapter describes the deep space network (DSN) as it is today. It includes brief descriptions and functional block diagrams of DSN systems at the Deep Space Communications Complexes that provide carrier tracking, radiometric data (Doppler and ranging) collection, command uplinking, and telemetry reception and decoding for deep space missions, those defined at lunar distances or greater. Delta‐differential one‐way ranging (delta‐DOR) is a very long baseline interferometric (VLBI) radio‐tracking technique using two deep‐space stations located at different complexes for a single measurement. In general, telemetry service support requires one antenna, at least one receiver, and telemetry processing equipment for each spacecraft. The telemetry system performs three main functions: data acquisition, data conditioning and transmission to projects, and telemetry‐system validation. The chapter summarizes the major uplink and downlink characteristics of the stations when operating in the DSN frequency bands.