Pre-Launch Lessons Learned from NASA’S Deep Space Network Support for the Artemis I Mission to the Moon

NASA’s Deep Space Network (DSN) serves as a critical element in the exploration of deep space, providing telecommunication services such as tracking, telemetry, command, and delivery of science data to its customers around the globe. In addition to supporting robotic spacecraft for scientific missions, the DSN also supports human spaceflight (HSF) endeavors, including NASA’s flagship Artemis missions to the Moon. This paper describes DSN lessons learned during preparations for the first Artemis mission, Artemis I. Topics covered include DSN performance and reliability, network loading, interface management, international collaboration and the role of international partners. Lessons learned will be applied to future missions, including Artemis II and beyond.