The 70-meter antenna DSS-14, located at the Goldstone Deep Space Communications Complex in California, has been inactive since September 16, 2025 following a mechanical accident. NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) confirmed the incident on November 10, revealing that excessive rotation stressed the structure’s central cables and pipes. A damaged fire suppression system caused flooding, which was quickly controlled by technical staff.
The Deep Space Network (DSN), the American space agency’s global antenna network, is now facing increased operational pressure due to the loss of this key facility. DSS-14 is essential for missions in distant regions of the Solar System, where weak signals require highly sensitive equipment. Engineers have begun evaluations for repairs, but no return to service is expected.
- Main causes identified: rotation beyond the limit, stress on cables and tubes.
- Immediate consequence: flooding mitigated in minutes, without additional risks.
- Ongoing action: incident investigation board convened by JPL.
Antenna configuration affected
DSS-14 operates in the Mojave Desert near Barstow and weighs about 2,700 tons, with a surface accurate to half an inch to pick up weak signals. Installed in 1966 as a 64-meter structure, it was expanded to 70 meters in 1988 to track Voyager 2 near Neptune.
This antenna supports X- and S-band communications, as well as radioast experimentsronomia and planetary radar. Its guide beam design allows for internal maintenance, protecting electronics from the elements.
Previous incidents on DSN
Other prolonged outages occurred on the network. In 2020 and 2021, DSS-43 in Australia did not transmit for 11 months during upgrades, affecting contact with Voyager 2.
Postponed maintenance on 70-meter antennas has already caused suspensions lasting months instead of days. The Goldstone complex, one of DSN’s three – with others in Madrid and Canberra – also houses 34-meter antennas as backup.
The expansion to new 34-meter units aims to mitigate overloads, but the aging of larger structures persists.
Network operational overhead
NASA’s Office of Inspector General warned in 2023 that the DSN is oversubscribed, with growing demand for deep missions. More than 30 spacecraft rely on the network simultaneously, including telescopes and lunar probes.
The Artemis 1 mission, in 2022, consumed much of the capacity, forcing adjustments in operations of the James Webb Space Telescope. JPL directors highlight that reduced maintenance budgets worsen the situation.
- Missions impacted: Voyager, Psyche and cislunar cubesats.
- Alternatives: arraying with telescopes like Parkes in Australia.
- Future projects: new BWG antennas for full frequencies.
Importance of 70 meter antennas
These structures capture signals from billions of kilometers away, concentrating power into precise beams for navigation and scientific data. DSS-14, nicknamed the “Mars Antenna” for tracking Mariner 4 in 1965, also monitors asteroids via Goldstone radar.
Replacements with 34-meter arrays are planned by 2030, but transitions require rigorous testing. DSN covers 24 hours a day with sites 120 degrees apart, ensuring constant visibility.
The precision of the surface – 3,850 square meters – prevents deformations that would interfere with operations. Engineers use RF mirrors to direct signals to underground rooms, facilitating upgrades.
Ongoing updates and investigations
JPL formed a panel of engineers to examine the damaged structure. Recommendations will include repairs to cables, pipes and fire suppression systems, with a focus on preventing excessive rotations.
Real-time monitoring shows “unplanned maintenance” status on DSS-14. Other Goldstone antennas, such as DSS-13 and DSS-15, take on extra loads.
