Deep Space Network Observing Proposal Submission

Last updated by Tom Kuiper on 2002 April 19.

This policy does not apply to investigators seeking DSN antenna time under the host country agreements. Through agreements between NASA and the agencies in Australia and Spain which operate the DSN stations, a specific amount of antenna time is allocated for radio astronomers in those countries. These operating agencies establish the policies for how that time is used. Astronomers seeking antenna time under these agreements should contact the appropriate station directors.

It is a basic requirement for all proposals to use the DSN to do radio astronomy that the research require some unique capability of the DSN.

VLBI Network Proposals

The DSN cooperates with the following VLBI networks:

• NRAO Very Long Baseline Array (VLBA)
• European VLBI Network (EVN)
• Asia Pacific Telescope

VLBI experimenters should submit their proposal to the appropriate VLBI array organization, using the format required. The proposal should clearly state why the DSN is required, and a copy of the proposal should be sent to

Since the DSN schedules time four to six months in advance, copies of network proposals sent to JPL facilitate scheduling and technical assessment.

Other Radio Astronomy Proposals

Proposals other than for VLBI networks, including ad hoc VLBI proposals, are not constrained to any particular format but should be as brief as possible. Please attach the proposal to an e-mail addressed to the DSN Science Manager (or use the postal address above) who will arrange for the scientific peer review of the proposal and allocate appropriate time. Typically, NRAO agrees to use their proposal review system for proposals submitted to the DSN.

Investigators planning such observations are advised to get an update on the status of pertinent hardware and software, as these are constantly evolving. Tom Kuiper, the DSN Lead Radio Astronomer, provides such information and will gladly help in developing concepts for innovative research. When appropriate and practicable, he can also arrange for observations to test a concept feasibility, prior to proposal submission.