Deep Space Network Supports Mars Odyssey
The DSMS, which consists of the Deep Space Network (DSN) and the Advanced Multimission Operations System (AMMOS), has been supporting the Mars 2001 Odyssey mission since its successful launch on April 7, 2001 and is already providing critical support in anticipation of Mars Orbit Insertion /Aerobraking prior to the spacecraft's arrival at Mars.
On October 23, 2001, a few seconds after 7:26 p.m. Pacific time, the main engine burn will begin and will last for
19.7 minutes. Ten minutes into the burn, the spacecraft will pass behind the planet and will be out of contact for
about 20 minutes. Controllers will not receive confirmation of the burn until the spacecraft emerges from behind
Mars and reestablishes contact with Earth at about 8 p.m. Pacific time. In the weeks and months that follow, the
spacecraft will repeatedly brush against the top of Mars' atmosphere in the aerobraking process to reduce the
long 19.9 hour elliptical orbit into a shorter 2-hour circular orbit of approximately 400 Km altitude desired for the
science data collection.
Telecommunications and data acquisition support is provided by NASA's Deep Space Network, the world's largest, most sensitive spacecraft communications network. The DSN consists of three deep space communications complexes located approximately 120 degrees of longitude apart around the world: at Goldstone, California; near Madrid, Spain; and near Canberra, Australia. This placement permits continuous communication with deep space spacecraft. The DSN supports Earth orbiter spacecraft communications, as well as, radio and radar astronomy observations for the exploration of the solar system and the universe.
The DSN provides the vital two-way communications link that guides and controls the Odyssey spacecraft. The
DSN 34-meter-diameter and 70-meter-diameter antennas are precision pointed, high-gain, parabolic reflector
antennas with high power transmitters and ultra low noise (3 Kelvin operating temperature) amplifiers. Each deep
space communication complex provides capabilities required perform telemetry data processing including signal
reception and amplification, signal demodulation and decoding, and data packet extraction. A capability to control
the spacecraft via commands received from the Odyssey project and transmitted from the DSN using is provided.
Precision navigation is provided by measurements of signal phase, and generation of range data which make use of
the ultrastable frequency and timing capabilities of the DSN. All DSN complexes are linked to JPL via a world-wide
communications network.
Mars Odyssey is also supported by the Advanced Multimission Operations System. Known as AMMOS, this system provides a common set of mission operations services and tools to the Odyssey mission, as well as to other JPL space flight projects. They include capabilities which enable Odyssey engineers to do mission planning and analysis, develop pre-planned sets of commands to the spacecraft, perform trajectory calculations for navigating the spacecraft, and process telemetry data (i.e., downlink data from the spacecraft). The AMMOS also provides capabilities for the Odyssey Flight team to display and analyze key measurements, such as readings of temperature, pressure, and power, from the spacecraft. Other mission services include simulation of telemetry and command data, data management and retrieval of all data types used by the Odyssey project, and data archiving.
For questions or comments, please contact Peter Poon.
Mars 2001 Odyssey Home Page
Deep Space Network Home Page
