NASA's Artemis II Mission Relies on Robust Communications Networks

The Near Space Network and Deep Space Network ensure seamless connectivity for the Artemis II lunar mission.

Jan. 28, 2026 at 10:31pm

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NASA's Artemis II mission will transport four astronauts around the Moon, bringing the agency one step closer to sending the first astronauts to Mars. Throughout Artemis II, astronaut voice, images, video, and vital mission data must traverse thousands of miles, carried on signals from NASA's communications systems. The Near Space Network and Deep Space Network, with oversight by NASA's SCaN (Space Communications and Navigation) Program office, use global infrastructure and relay satellites to ensure seamless communications and tracking as Orion launches, orbits Earth, travels to the Moon, and returns home.

Why it matters

Robust space communications are essential for the safety and success of NASA's deep space exploration missions. As the agency pushes farther into space, reliable communications links will enable more challenging missions and maximize the benefit for all of us on Earth.

The details

NASA's Artemis II mission will transport four astronauts around the Moon, bringing humanity closer to its journey to Mars. Throughout the mission, astronaut voice, images, video, and vital mission data must traverse thousands of miles, carried on signals from NASA's powerful communications systems: the Near Space Network and Deep Space Network.

  • NASA's Artemis II mission is scheduled for launch in 2026.

The players

Near Space Network

A global network of communications infrastructure and relay satellites used by NASA to ensure seamless connectivity for its space exploration missions.

Deep Space Network

A network of large radio antennas and communications facilities operated by NASA to support interplanetary spacecraft missions and radio and radar astronomy observations.

NASA's SCaN (Space Communications and Navigation) Program

The office within NASA that oversees the Near Space Network and Deep Space Network, ensuring robust communications for the agency's space exploration missions.

Ken Bowersox

The associate administrator for NASA's Space Operations Mission Directorate at the agency's headquarters in Washington.

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What they’re saying

“Robust space communications aren't optional; they're the essential link that unites the crew and the exploration team on Earth to ensure safety and mission success, as I learned firsthand living and working aboard the International Space Station.”

— Ken Bowersox, Associate Administrator, NASA's Space Operations Mission Directorate (Mirage News)

What’s next

NASA is continuing to develop and enhance its communications networks to support increasingly complex and ambitious space exploration missions, including the Artemis II lunar mission and future crewed missions to Mars.

The takeaway

NASA's robust communications networks, including the Near Space Network and Deep Space Network, are the essential backbone that enables the agency's deep space exploration efforts, ensuring the safety and success of astronauts and missions as humanity pushes farther into the cosmos.