The evolution of the spaceflight tracking and data network

The evolution of the Minitrack Network, the first worldwide satellite tracking capability (1957-1962), into the Satellite Tracking and Data Acquisition Network (1960-1966) is described. Attention is also given to the Mercury Network, which became operational in 1961, was the foundation for the Manned Space Flight Network, and supported the Gemini and Apollo missions. The development of the NASA Communications Network, which began to take shape in the early 1960s, is described. An account is also given of the way in which all these functions began playing together (1965) and were consolidated in the early 1970s as the Space Tracking and Data Network.