ESC Resources
NASA’s Exploration and Space Communications (ESC) resources page showcases features, web articles, technical papers, activities, and more.
Exploration and Space Communications
Bringing Technology to Space
NASA’s Exploration and Space Communications (ESC) projects division provides full-coverage communications and navigation services, as well as cross-cutting technical expertise to move NASA into the future. These services are critical to returning ground-breaking scientific data to Earth where it can be used for the benefit of humanity.
Near Space Network
The Near Space Network provides missions out to 1.25 million miles (2 million kilometers) with premier communications and navigation services, enabling spacecraft to exchange critical data with mission operators on Earth.
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Near Space Network Features
LCRD
NASA's Laser Communications Relay Demonstration (LCRD) is conducting experiments to expand our knowledge and showcase the benefits of laser communications technologies.
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LCRD Features
LCRNS
NASA's Lunar Communications Relay and Navigation Systems (LCRNS) project is an initiative aimed at enabling a robust communications and navigation infrastructure around the Moon.
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LCRNS Features
O2O
The Orion Artemis II Optical Communications System (O2O) is the laser communications terminal that will enable the Orion space capsule to send 4K video and high-resolution images back to Earth.
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O2O Features
Navigation
NASA navigation engineers serve Exploration and Space Communications in a variety of ways, supporting missions while developing technologies that enhance spacecraft navigation and guidance.
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Navigation Features
Search and Rescue
For over 40 years, NASA's Search and Rescue office has aided the international Cospas-Sarsat Program in the development of search and rescue technologies. The Search and Rescue office has been integral to designing and testing Cospas-Sarsat's 406 MHz distress beacons, as well as the flight and ground systems that support them.
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Search and Rescue Features
| Search and Rescue Technical Papers | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| Lunar Search & Rescue Applications of Lunar GNSS | Oct. 2021 |
| Taking the Search Out of Search and Rescue: How NASA Is Improving Finding People in Distress | July 2019 |
| Emergency Locator Transmitter Survivability and Reliability Study | February 2017 |
TEMPO
The Technology Enterprise and Mission Pathfinder Office's (TEMPO) mission is to infuse advanced technologies in mission architectures. Their work focuses on high-performance links, including enhanced radio frequency communications, optical communications, and quantum communications, as well as improved networking methods.
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TEMPO Features
Engage With Us!
NASA internships prepare young professionals with the skills, experience, and connections they need to thrive in the NASA workplace and beyond. Each intern is guided to success by an expert mentor, networking and engagement resources, and a cross-center intern community. Every intern experience is different, but all the Exploration and Space Communications opportunities task interns to work with their mentors on a semester- or year-long project of measurable importance to NASA’s mission.
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ESC Engagement Downloads
The Invisible Network Podcast
The technologies that allow NASA to talk to and navigate spacecraft are often overlooked — perhaps because they work so well. Join us as we shine a light on the invisible networks that power space science and exploration.
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