February 1995
Strategic Functions
Space Communications
An essential enabling capability for mission success is robust electronic access to space. The Space Communications Function provides the essential and responsive telecommunications services that enable NASA customers to effectively conduct operations which are necessary for mission success. This vital function is accomplished through the use of a cost-effective combination of NASA assets, commercial services, and other U.S. Government, as well as international, elements. Primary NASA-operated assets include the Tracking and Data Relay Satellite System and the Deep Space Network. The Tracking and Data Relay Satellite System provides the unique capability of real-time high data rate communications with orbiting spacecraft. The Deep Space Network provides the only communications link with missions in deep space. Additionally, an integrated network of Government and commercial data processing and telecommunications services is available to responsively, reliably, and economically meet customer requirements. The unique character of these integrated elements is manifested in the life-cycle cost-effectiveness for meeting multimission requirements in an extremely efficient manner.
This Function is responsible for analyzing the end-to-end telecommunications requirements of the Enterprises and developing, in partnership with the Enterprises, an integrated strategy which includes associated plans and budgets for meeting capacity needs.
The key goals for the Space Communications Function are to:
- Provide leadership and direction in developing operational concepts and operating systems to meet customer requirements.
- Ensure the continuity of essential communications services which include both capacity and capability.
- Stimulate development and transfer of dynamic communications and related technologies into the commercial marketplace so that NASA's future needs can be met while promoting economic competitiveness.
- Develop cost-effective, end-to-end communications architectures and implementation options.
- Reduce mission-unique requirements through standardization and reengineering.
In achieving these goals, a strategy that employs managerial and technical excellence, leveraging on commercial technology, will continue to emphasize the provision of integrated solutions and economy of scales to operational communications and information management needs which are common to a diverse variety of customers and missions.
Curator: James H. Chi
Last Updated: Tue, Apr 18, 1995