Prospects for a Next-Generation Deep-Space Network

A next-generation deep-space network is currently under consideration by the National Aeronautics and Space Administration. Building upon its many past successes, this network will be required to meet the needs of current and planned missions. These will, no doubt, include the familiar suite of telemetry, command, tracking, and navigation services, with performance levels derived from analysis of the probable future mission set. Additionally, it will be expected to provide enabling capabilities for missions still on the drawing boards. Traditionally, the network serves the robotic deep-space exploration fleet. However, at this time, consideration of the special needs of planned future human lunar missions is appropriate, as well as the evolution to the eventual human exploration of Mars.