Suggested Searches

Deep Space Network Explainer Video: How Do We Know Where Faraway Spacecraft Are?

Back to search page
Illustration of planet Earth in space, with the title “Deep Space Network” encircling the globe

Audience

Educators, Students

Grade Levels

Grades 5-8, Grades 9-12, Higher Education, Informal Education

Subject

Physical Science, Space Science, Technology, Waves, Light, Robotic Explorers, Communication, Remote Sensing

Type

Videos

NASA has dozens of robotic spacecraft exploring our solar system – and beyond. So how exactly do we navigate spacecraft that are so far away? Scientists and engineers on Earth can use precise measurements to know where faraway spacecraft are by using the Deep Space Network, NASA’s international collection of giant radio antennas used to communicate with spacecraft at the Moon and beyond.

Viewers also get a basic overview of the Doppler effect.

How Do We Know Where Faraway Spacecraft Are?
Duration: 2 minutes, 2 seconds

Explore other Deep Space videos in this series:

How Do We Communicate With Faraway Spacecraft

How NASA Uses Gravity and Radio Waves to Study Planets and Moons

For Educators

Explore Deep Space Communication Educator Guides, Lesson Plans / Activities