Advanced communications for mission success...A brief look at ESC.

The Exploration and Space Communications (ESC) ProjectsDivision at Goddard Space Flight Center plays a critical role in nearly every mission that NASA launches, yet they are often in the background. ESC directly connects explorers to their instruments by providing behind-the-scenes communications services that make scientific discoveries possible.

The ESC has a long and proud history.  Not a single mission - manned or unmanned - has ever been compromised due to network failure.  ESC's network services have always been there.  

Space Communications started off as a ground network. By the time Astronaut John Glenn became the first American in orbit in 1962, NASA had already established 30 ground stations on five continents and several islands. The network continued expanding in the 1960s and 70s. However, it was still a ground based network with a limited view of orbiting spacecraft. This network could only provide a communication link for 10% to 20% of each orbit for any given satellite, meaning that for over 80% of every orbit, there was no way to communicate.  With the advent of Tracking and Data Relay Satellite System in the 1980s, NASA's space flight tracking and communication network evolved into a full-fledged Space Network with a constellation of relay satellites and supporting ground terminals that could enable constant communication between orbiting spacecraft and the ground.  In addition, ground based antennas continued to be employed to support scientific satellites that store the data they gather in on-board computer member and only require minimal opportunities to ship this stored data to the ground..

In 2006, the Space Communications and Navigation (SCaN) program placed the three prime NASA space communications networks, Space Network (SN), Near Earth Network (NEN), and the Deep Space Network (DSN), under one Management and Systems Engineering umbrella.  ESC includes SN and NEN, while DSN is managed out of Jet Propulsion Laboratory in Pasadena, CA.

An ever-increasing demand for higher data rates and lower error rates has driven the evolution of space communication. Information that astronauts and instruments gather is of no value if it cannot be returned to earth.  ESC's network services will always be there to assist in getting the data back.

To read more about the amazing history of the ESC be sure to check out "Read you Loud and Clear!"  by Sunny Tsiao. 

Exploration and Space Communications Projects

Mission Statement: We provide our customers with space operations services and new technology to enable scientific discovery, research, and commercial space development.

Vision: We foster innovative technologies and provide management services to ensure cost efficient space operations for our customers.

ESC  -- Advanced Communications for Mission Success