TheNear Earth Network (NEN, formerlyGN orGround Network) provides orbital communications support for near-Earth orbiting customer platforms via various ground stations, operated byNASA and other space agencies. It uses a number of different dishes scattered around the globe. The antennas must be able to move fast for tracking of objects inlow Earth orbit (LEO). The NEN andSpace Network (SN) combined were previously referred to as the Spaceflight Tracking and Data Network (STDN).[1]
NEN uses several stations run by NASA:
NEN uses Stations run by KSAT —Kongsberg Satellite Services:
NEN uses a Station run by SANSA —South African National Space Agency:
NEN uses Stations run by SSC —Swedish Space Corporation
Also under contract wasPoker Flat Research Range. Additionally, the MILA and Wallops stations provide pre-launch, launch, and landing communications support for theSpace Shuttle program.
The NEN falls under NASA's SOMD (Space Operations Mission Directorate), interoperating with theSCaN Program offices. TheGoddard Space Flight Center Ground Network Project has responsibility for maintaining the NEN, as well as implementing theSatellite laser ranging (SLR) Network.
The NEN was slated to support theConstellation Program, including theAres launch vehicle, NISN (NASA Integrated Services Network), FDF (Flight Dynamics Facilities),KSC Launch Control Center, and the Constellation Mission Control Center (MCC). Constellation has since been canceled.
