Goldstone – The “Mars” 64m antenna


sign for the Mars antenna

The 64 metre Mars Station (DSS-14) served as part of the “wing” of the Apollo station.

The text on the sign (click the image for a large version) says that the antenna was due for initial operation in January 1966. Tom Sheehan took this photo of the sign, with the now operational antenna in the distance, during a visit probably in 1968.

The Mars antenna was built primarily for JPL’s Deep Space missions. For key Apollo missions, it was integrated into the “wing” Apollo station, and its data was demodulated at the 85 foot MSFN station.

The Mars antenna 1968

The 64m Mars antenna.

Photo: Tom Sheehan.

 

Tom Sheehan on the Mars antenna 1968

This photo of Tom Sheehan on the feed cone of DSS-14 gives an idea of the size of the antenna.

 

The Mars antenna 1969

The 64m Mars antenna, DSS-14, in 1969.

Photo: Bill Wood.


See also The Goldstone DSN Booklet – html version by Bill Wood.