NASA has made significant progress on its Deep Space Station 23, which recently saw the installation of a 133-ton reflector dish at the Goldstone Deep Space Communications Complex in California. This advanced antenna, set to become operational in 2026, will enhance communication capabilities for a variety of missions, including Perseverance and the upcoming Europa Clipper, ultimately strengthening NASA’s Deep Space Network (DSN). The DSN, a global network of large radio antennas, is vital for tracking spacecraft and communicating with missions across the solar system.
The construction of Deep Space Station 23 has been ongoing for over four years, with the recent installation marking a major milestone in enhancing the infrastructure first established in 1963. Engineers faced the challenge of meticulously aligning bolt holes during the installation of the reflector framework. The new antenna will support radio and laser communications, serving an increasing number of human and robotic missions exploring lunar and Martian landscapes. With the addition of DSS 23, the DSN will expand to 15 antennas, continuing to play a crucial role in global space exploration and scientific discovery.
