The Space Network was established in the early 1980s to replace NASA's worldwide network of ground tracking stations. A study done in the 1970s, which was based on a theory by Arthur C. Clarke, recommended geosynchronous, geostationary satellites to transmit data to, and receive data from the LEO satellites that were being used as remote data sensors.  A modification to the basic concept allowed the system to operate from a single ground station located in the United States.   The ground station had to be located quite far south in the United States so that a line of sight could easily be maintained between the ground station and the satellites. From there, the Space Network was born.

Since then the Space Network has launched 10 Tracking and Data Relay Satellites (TDRS), and built a total of 3 ground stations to accommodate an ever-increasing demand for 24X7 service. Today, the Space Network consists of a constellation of geosynchronous Tracking and Data Relay Satellites and associated ground systems and operates as a bent pipe relay system between customer platforms and customer ground facilities.