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NASA's Key Antenna Inactive Amid Deep Space Network Crisis

11/12/2025

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Summary

Story summary

NASA's 70-meter antenna, DSS-14, at the Goldstone Deep Space Communications Complex in California, has been inactive since September 16, 2025, due to a mechanical failure.
The Jet Propulsion Laboratory reported that excessive rotation damaged the antenna's cables and fire suppression system, resulting in flooding.
This incident exacerbates the capacity issues of the Deep Space Network (DSN), which currently supports over 30 spacecraft, including the James Webb Space Telescope.
An investigation board has been established to evaluate the situation, but no repair timeline has been announced.

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Story summary

NASA's 70-meter antenna, DSS-14, at the Goldstone Deep Space Communications Complex in California, has been inactive since September 16, 2025, due to a mechanical failure.
The Jet Propulsion Laboratory reported that excessive rotation damaged the antenna's cables and fire suppression system, resulting in flooding.
This incident exacerbates the capacity issues of the Deep Space Network (DSN), which currently supports over 30 spacecraft, including the James Webb Space Telescope.
An investigation board has been established to evaluate the situation, but no repair timeline has been announced.