Work

Radio Astronomy with NASA’s Deep Space Network

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: The Deep Space Network (DSN) is the spacecraft tracking and communication infrastructure for NASA’s deep space missions. At three sites, approximately equally separated in (terrestrial) longitude, there are multiple radio antennas outfitted with cryogenic microwave receiving systems both for receiving transmissions from deep space spacecraft and for conducting radio astronomical observations, particularly in the L band (1350 MHz–1800 MHz), X band (8200 MHz–8600 MHz), and K band (18 GHz–27 GHz). In particular, the 70 m antennas at the Canberra and Madrid DSN Complexes are well-equipped to participate in international very long baseline interferometry (VLBI) observations. Over the past five years, there has been an effort to refurbish and modernize equipment such as receiving and signal transport systems for radio astronomical observations. We summarize current capabilities, on-going refurbishment activities, and possible future opportunities.

Source: Galaxies

DOI: 10.3390/galaxies13060123

Authors: T. Joseph W. Lazio, Stephen M. Lichten

Institutions: California Institute of Technology, Jet Propulsion Laboratory

Language: English

Topic: Radio Astronomy Observations and Technology

Subfield: Astronomy and Astrophysics

Field: Physics and Astronomy

Domain: Physical Sciences

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $1,689

Funder: National Aeronautics and Space Administration