Goldstone Deep Space Communications Complex

Goldstone’s collection of massive radio antennas and satellite dishes rises from the empty Mojave like something from a science fiction film. This NASA facility has been tracking deep space missions since 1958, communicating with everything from the Voyager probes to Mars rovers. The largest dish spans 230 feet across and can detect signals weaker than a billionth of a billionth of a watt from billions of miles away.

The complex is visible from Fort Irwin Road but not open for public tours due to security restrictions. Best viewing is from the dirt roads on the east side of the facility where you can photograph the dishes against the stark desert backdrop. Military personnel may question photographers, so keep visits brief and respectful.

NASA's deep space radio telescope complex