Students gain first-hand experience with the Doppler effect and how it's used by NASA’s Deep Space Network.

Students learn how NASA decodes spacecraft data, then students decode their own data to reveal space images.

Students learn how waves are used in communication with spacecraft and practice communicating using a similar process.

In this intermediate-level programming challenge, students use microdevices along with light and mirrors to build a relay that can send information to a distant detector.

Students code microcontrollers to send and receive radio signals, simulating communications between Earth and spacecraft.

Students use simple supplies to model how NASA tracks the location of spacecraft from Earth.

NASA has dozens of robotic spacecraft exploring our solar system – and beyond. So how exactly do we navigate spacecraft that are so far away?

In this illustrated problem set, students use pi to collect samples from an asteroid, fly a helicopter on Mars for the first time, find efficient ways to talk with distant spacecraft, and study the forces behind Earth's beautiful auroras.

This video explains how NASA's Deep Space Network uses a system of giant antennas located around the world – and electromagnetic energy – to talk to spacecraft.