The NASA tracking and data acquisition networks Their history and their future

Abstract

The NASA Tracking and Data Acquisition Networks were begun in the late 1950s as a part of the United States activities associated with the 1958-59 International Geophysical Year. The first network—the Minitrack Net—evolved into the Space Tracking and Data Acquisition Network (STADAN) for support of scientific satellites in earth orbit. The NASA Mercury and Apollo manned flight programs produced more demanding requirements for near real-time tracking, communications, and orbit determination, thus providing the impetus for new, more sophisticated networks. The Deep Space Network was also created to meet unique requirements of the planetary exploration programs. All of these programs necessitated establishing ground stations in various countries around the world, thus promoting the concept of international cooperation in space activities which NASA has fostered in many programs. This paper traces these networks from their beginnings through the various stages of development and introduction of new technologies to meet the requirements of increasingly more complex space missions. We will also review the planning for new capabilities for tracking, data acquisition and communications support of future programs, including particularly the Space Station in the next decade.