#179 +V̶V̶
When introducing Ryland to the Beetles, Steve Hatch explains (after suggesting that interstellar navigation is “easy-peasy” 18.177) that each tiny spacecraft is equipped with a receiver that constantly awaits a signal from Earth.
“Once it hears that signal, it’ll broadcast its location and await instructions from the Deep Space Network.” 18.178
The Deep Space Network (DSN) consists of ground-based radio antennas located in California (Goldstone), Spain (Madrid), and Australia (Canberra). Operated by NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory, this network of facilities allows teams on earth to track and communicate with missions ranging from Earth-orbiting satellites to spacecraft that have left our solar system, like Voyager.
The DSN’s three international facilities are strategically placed approximately 120 degrees apart in longitude to allow for continuous communication with spacecraft as our own planet relentlessly rotates.
In September 2025, when one-half of the Project Amaze team had the opportunity to visit the Jet Propulsion Laboratory and step into the Mission Control Center, she snapped the below picture in which the status of DSN communications can be seen on the large screens.
Our next beanbag will contain a live snapshot of the DSN’s spacecraft communications.
fly off into deep space
03.158