Madrid Deep Space Communications Complex

The Madrid Deep Space Communications Complex (MDSCC) is a ground station located in Robledo de Chavela, Spain, and operated by the Instituto Nacional de Técnica Aeroespacial (INTA).

Deep Space Network
It is part of NASA's Deep Space Network run by the Jet Propulsion Laboratory. The facility contributes to the Deep Space Network's ability to provide the vital two-way communications link that tracks and controls spacecraft and receives the images and new scientific information they collect. This complex is one of three NASA Deep Space Network complexes in the world; the others are the Goldstone Deep Space Communications Complex located in California, near the city of Barstow, and the Canberra Deep Space Communication Complex in Australia which is close to the city of Canberra.

The complex also serves some missions of the European Space Agency.

Functions
The antennas and data delivery systems make it possible to:


 * Acquire telemetry data from spacecraft.
 * Transmit commands to spacecraft.
 * Track spacecraft position and velocity.
 * Perform Radio Astronomy (both single-dish and very-long-baseline interferometry) observations.
 * Measure variations in radio waves for radio science experiments.
 * Monitor and control the performance of the Deep Space Network.

Antennas


The complex has seven antennas, called DSS-61, DSS-54, DSS-55, DSS-63, DSS-65 and DSS-66.