Communications

Mission Control on Earth must remain in constant radio contact with the Rover on Mars - to send instructions, and to download data. The image below shows how radio signals are sent from Earth to satellites in orbit around Mars, and then relayed to rovers on the Martian surface.

Learn more about the Deep Space Network, Mars Satellites and the two different antenna onboard the Rover. Learn how Space Weather can damage satellites and electrical systems on Earth, and more about the role of the Communications Engineer.