Space Programs Summary No. 37-42, Volume III FOR the Period September 1, 1966 to October 31, 1966. Deep Space Network

The Deep Space Network (DSN), established by the NASA Office of Tracking and Data Acquisition, is under the system management and technical direction of JPL. The DSN is responsible for two-way communications with unmanned spacecraft travelling from approximately 10,000 miles from Earth to interplanetary distances. Tracking and data-handling equipment to support these missions is provided. Present facilities permit simultaneous control of a newly launched spacecraft and a second one already in flight. In preparation for the increased number of U.S. activities in space, a capability is being developed for simultaneous control of either two newly launched spacecraft plus two in flight, or four spacecraft in flight. Advanced communications techniques are being implemented to make possible obtaining data from, and tracking spacecraft to, planets as far out in space as Jupiter.