Facility Information
IDENTIFIER urn:nasa:pds:context:facility:observatory.madrid::1.1
NAME Madrid Deep Space Communications Complex
TYPE Observatory
DESCRIPTION The Madrid Deep Space Communications Complex (MDSCC) is one of the three Deep Space Communications Complexes (DSCCs) that make up the NASA Deep Space Network (DSN). The DSCCs are spaced by approximately 120 degrees in longitude and within about 40 degrees latitude of Earth's equator. As the Earth rotates, this configuration provides nearly continuous coverage of spacecraft in the ecliptic -- that is, spacecraft flying to or orbiting most solar system objects. The MDSCC, which became operational in the mid 1960s, is located near Robledo de Chevala, Spain, and managed by both the National Institute for Aerospace Technology (INTA) and the U.S. space agency NASA as per agreement signed in 1964. The Madrid complex includes several Deep Space Stations (DSSs, or antennas), a Signal Processing Center (SPC), and administrative and support facilities. Each DSCC handles several types of data including: frequency and timing, tracking, telemetry, command, monitor, radio science, and very long baseline interferometry. These data types support uplink (to spacecraft) or downlink (from spacecraft) operations or passive reception. Data received from spacecraft are relayed via the local SPC to the Network Operations Control Center (NOCC) at the NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) in Pasadena, CA, where they are distributed to the offices responsible for each spacecraft. Commands, generated in those offices, are sent via the NOCC, SPC, and DSS to the spacecraft. Commands, generated in those offices, are sent via the NOCC, SPC, and DSS to the spacecraft. The Goldstone DSCC also includes the Goldstone Solar System Radar (GSSR) and the development facility. For more information, see https://www.mdscc.nasa.gov/
ADDRESS Ctra. M-531 Robledo de Chavela a Colmenar del Arroyo, Km 7.1 28294 Robledo de Chavela ? Madrid
COUNTRY Spain
INVESTIGATION(S)
TELESCOPE(S) DSS-66 Radio Telescope