NASA's Artemis II Mission Relys on Robust Communications Network
As NASA prepares for its highly ambitious Artemis II mission, a crucial element is being put in place: the agency's communications network. Spanning thousands of miles and traversing various stages of space travel, this network serves as the lifeline between astronauts and ground control.
Established through a partnership with the Near Space Network and Deep Space Network, NASA's communications systems utilize global infrastructure and relay satellites to facilitate seamless communication and tracking throughout the mission. This comprehensive setup enables vital data exchange between spacecraft and mission controllers on Earth.
Speaking to the significance of robust space communications, Ken Bowersox, associate administrator for NASA's Space Operations Mission Directorate, emphasizes that reliable connections are crucial for ensuring safety and mission success. "Space communications keep astronauts connected to everyone on Earth who wants to share in the excitement of our exploration missions," he states.
During Artemis II, specialists will operate these networks in tandem to facilitate data exchange between spacecraft and ground control. NASA's Mission Control Center at the Johnson Space Center in Houston will track the Space Launch System rocket, Orion spacecraft, and launch vehicle through coordinated handoffs with multiple assets on Earth and in space.
The Near Space Network will provide communications and navigation services during multiple stages of the mission operations, supported by a long legacy of supporting human spaceflight missions near Earth. Once Orion's translunar injection burn takes place, primary communications support will transition to the Deep Space Network, providing a near-continuous connection to the spacecraft and its crew.
While traditional radio network support is essential, the Orion Artemis II Optical Communications System will transmit real science and crew data over laser links, capable of sending more than 100 times more data than comparable radio networks. This technology could pave the way for future laser communications systems at the Moon and Mars.
NASA's mission to improve lunar and deep space communications also includes a planned communications blackout lasting approximately 41 minutes during Orion's transit around the Moon. Following this period, the Deep Space Network will quickly reacquire Orion's signal and restore communications with ground control.
The Artemis II flight test will build upon existing capabilities, including data processing and handling. Each mission will also rely on the advancements made by previous missions, such as the development of relay satellites around the Moon to support precise navigation and persistent high-bandwidth communications services for astronauts, landers, and orbiters on and around the lunar surface.
As NASA's evolving networks take shape, they will serve as a crucial link between humans on Earth and those returning to the Moon, ensuring that every step of the way stays connected.
As NASA prepares for its highly ambitious Artemis II mission, a crucial element is being put in place: the agency's communications network. Spanning thousands of miles and traversing various stages of space travel, this network serves as the lifeline between astronauts and ground control.
Established through a partnership with the Near Space Network and Deep Space Network, NASA's communications systems utilize global infrastructure and relay satellites to facilitate seamless communication and tracking throughout the mission. This comprehensive setup enables vital data exchange between spacecraft and mission controllers on Earth.
Speaking to the significance of robust space communications, Ken Bowersox, associate administrator for NASA's Space Operations Mission Directorate, emphasizes that reliable connections are crucial for ensuring safety and mission success. "Space communications keep astronauts connected to everyone on Earth who wants to share in the excitement of our exploration missions," he states.
During Artemis II, specialists will operate these networks in tandem to facilitate data exchange between spacecraft and ground control. NASA's Mission Control Center at the Johnson Space Center in Houston will track the Space Launch System rocket, Orion spacecraft, and launch vehicle through coordinated handoffs with multiple assets on Earth and in space.
The Near Space Network will provide communications and navigation services during multiple stages of the mission operations, supported by a long legacy of supporting human spaceflight missions near Earth. Once Orion's translunar injection burn takes place, primary communications support will transition to the Deep Space Network, providing a near-continuous connection to the spacecraft and its crew.
While traditional radio network support is essential, the Orion Artemis II Optical Communications System will transmit real science and crew data over laser links, capable of sending more than 100 times more data than comparable radio networks. This technology could pave the way for future laser communications systems at the Moon and Mars.
NASA's mission to improve lunar and deep space communications also includes a planned communications blackout lasting approximately 41 minutes during Orion's transit around the Moon. Following this period, the Deep Space Network will quickly reacquire Orion's signal and restore communications with ground control.
The Artemis II flight test will build upon existing capabilities, including data processing and handling. Each mission will also rely on the advancements made by previous missions, such as the development of relay satellites around the Moon to support precise navigation and persistent high-bandwidth communications services for astronauts, landers, and orbiters on and around the lunar surface.
As NASA's evolving networks take shape, they will serve as a crucial link between humans on Earth and those returning to the Moon, ensuring that every step of the way stays connected.