NASA's Artemis II Mission Unfolds at JPL's Operations Facility

The Deep Space Network enables communication with Artemis II and other spacecraft exploring the solar system.

Apr. 10, 2026 at 6:48am

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A bold, abstract painting in the style of Hilma af Klint, featuring sweeping geometric arcs, concentric circles, and precise spirals in earthy tones, representing the complex infrastructure of the Deep Space Network that supports NASA's deep space missions.The Deep Space Network's global network of radio antennas enables critical communication and data transfer for NASA's deep space exploration missions.Pasadena Today

Staff at NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory in Southern California watched the agency's Artemis II mission unfold soon after launch on April 1, 2026, at the Space Flight Operations Facility, which operates the Deep Space Network (DSN). The DSN comprises three complexes in Goldstone, California; Madrid, Spain; and Canberra, Australia, each with radio frequency antennas that communicate with dozens of spacecraft exploring the solar system in addition to the crewed Artemis II mission.

Why it matters

The Artemis II mission is a critical step in NASA's plan to return humans to the Moon, and the Deep Space Network plays a vital role in enabling communication and data transfer between the spacecraft and mission control on Earth. The successful operation of the DSN is essential for the success of not just the Artemis II mission, but many other deep space exploration efforts.

The details

The DSN is managed by JPL for NASA's Space Communications and Navigation program, which is located at NASA Headquarters within the Space Operations Mission Directorate. The DSN allows missions to track, send commands to, and receive scientific data from faraway spacecraft. JPL is managed by Caltech in Pasadena, California, for NASA.

  • The Artemis II mission launched on April 1, 2026.

The players

NASA

The National Aeronautics and Space Administration, the independent agency of the executive branch of the United States federal government responsible for the civilian space program, as well as aeronautics and space research.

Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL)

A federally funded research and development center and NASA field center located in Pasadena, California, managed by the California Institute of Technology (Caltech) for NASA.

Deep Space Network (DSN)

A worldwide network of large radio antennas and communication facilities operated by JPL on behalf of NASA, enabling communication with spacecraft exploring the solar system.

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What’s next

The Artemis II mission will continue to be monitored and supported by the Deep Space Network as it progresses through its planned trajectory and objectives.

The takeaway

The successful operation of the Deep Space Network is crucial for enabling communication and data transfer between spacecraft and mission control, supporting not just the Artemis II mission, but a wide range of deep space exploration efforts by NASA and its partners.