Goldstone Deep Space Communications Complex
A vital hub of NASA's Deep Space Network, Goldstone communicates with spacecraft across the solar system. Witness colossal antennas in the desert. [^T...
Highlights
Must-see attractions
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Best Time
Rare public access opportunities
Goldstone Deep Space Communications Complex
Best Time
Rare public access opportunities
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A vital hub of NASA's Deep Space Network, Goldstone communicates with spacecraft across the solar system. Witness colossal antennas in the desert.
"Epic, once-in-a-lifetime experience. Incredible that this enormous scientific instrument was designed with slide rules and pencils. "
🎯 Book Tours in Advance
Public tours are infrequent and require appointments. Check for special events like Family Day.
👟 Dress for the Desert
Wear comfortable shoes and layers. It's a vast desert site with variable temperatures.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Mars Station Antenna
Goldstone Deep Space Communications Complex
Marvel at the colossal 70-meter Mars Station antenna, a key component of NASA's Deep Space Network.
Deep Space Station 23 (DSS-23)
Goldstone Deep Space Communications Complex
Witness the impressive new 34-meter antenna, DSS-23, a testament to ongoing advancements in space communication.
Visitor Center Insights
Barstow
Though direct access is limited, the Barstow visitor center offers a glimpse into the complex's vital role.
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Planning Your Visit
Access & Tours
Desert Environment
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Book Tours in Advance
Public tours are infrequent and require appointments. Check for special events like Family Day.
👟 Dress for the Desert
Wear comfortable shoes and layers. It's a vast desert site with variable temperatures.
🆔 Bring Government ID
A government-issued ID and vehicle registration are mandatory for entry onto the base.
💧 Stay Hydrated
The desert climate is dry. Bring plenty of water to stay hydrated during your visit.
I hear you guys are in to serious radio equipment
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Book Tours in Advance
Public tours are infrequent and require appointments. Check for special events like Family Day.
👟 Dress for the Desert
Wear comfortable shoes and layers. It's a vast desert site with variable temperatures.
🆔 Bring Government ID
A government-issued ID and vehicle registration are mandatory for entry onto the base.
💧 Stay Hydrated
The desert climate is dry. Bring plenty of water to stay hydrated during your visit.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors describe Goldstone as an 'epic, once-in-a-lifetime experience' and a 'fantastic place' to learn about space. The sheer scale of the antennas and their role in space exploration are consistently praised. However, access is a significant barrier, with many noting the difficulty for foreigners and the need for pre-arranged appointments.
"Foreigners can’t get in ! Irwin Base requires in service DOD personnel accompany for foreigners, so it’s almost impossible. We have one friend from abroad so we didn’t get in . Great place to learn about space. I think this site inspired the sci-fi novel Three Body."
kevin cheng
"Fantastic place where all those amazing images and research come to us. Glad I don't have to wash those dishes!"
Steve Stroup
"Goldstone deep space is awesome. They offer tours to the public but you need to make an appointment first. The site is huge, and it's in the desert so dress accordingly and wear comfortable shoes. Lots of space goodies are given out to guests and it's a great opportunity to learn about space. Make sure you bring a government issued ID and the registration for your vehicle, you'll need both to enter the facility."
Adam Botello
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The complex is located on Fort Irwin, a military base. Access is restricted, and public tours are rare and require advance appointments. Foreign nationals may need an in-service DOD escort.
Generally, no. Access is limited to authorized personnel. However, special events like 'Family Day' sometimes offer public access.
The visitor center in Barstow provides information and exhibits related to the Goldstone Deep Space Network.
It's very difficult for foreigners to visit. An in-service DOD personnel escort is typically required, making access nearly impossible for those without connections.
The complex is in a desert area. Roads can be remote, and conditions can be challenging, especially in extreme weather. Ensure your vehicle is in good condition.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Tickets are not typically sold for public access as tours are appointment-based and infrequent. Special events might have entry requirements.
The complex operates 24/7 for its communication functions. Public access, if granted, will have specific hours for tours or events.
You will need a valid government-issued ID and your vehicle's registration to enter the facility.
No, you cannot just show up. All visits must be pre-arranged with proper authorization and appointments.
Information on tour fees is scarce as public tours are rare. It's best to inquire directly when attempting to book an appointment.
🎫 🔭 Onsite Experience
You can see massive radio antennas, including the 70-meter Mars Station, and learn about deep space communication technology.
Yes, the unique structures and vast desert landscape offer incredible photographic opportunities.
Dress in comfortable layers suitable for desert weather. Comfortable walking shoes are essential.
Limited facilities are available, especially during special events. It's advisable to bring your own water and snacks.
The site is vast, spanning a significant area in the desert, housing multiple large antennas and support buildings.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Food options are very limited and typically only available during special events like Family Day, often run by staff.
Yes, it's highly recommended to bring your own water and snacks, especially given the desert location and limited onsite options.
There is no public cafeteria. Any food services are usually for personnel or during specific, pre-arranged events.
📸 📸 Photography
The massive antennas, especially the Mars Station, and the surrounding desert landscape offer iconic photo opportunities.
Photography is generally allowed in designated public access areas during tours or events, but always follow specific site guidelines.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the scale of the antennas against the sky, while a telephoto lens can isolate details.
Drone usage is highly restricted on military bases like Fort Irwin. It's best to assume it's not permitted unless explicitly stated otherwise.
Sunrise and sunset can offer dramatic lighting for the antennas and desert scenery. Midday sun can be harsh.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
When visiting, ensure children are dressed appropriately for the desert climate and have plenty of water. The sheer scale of the antennas is often a highlight for younger visitors, providing a tangible connection to the vastness of space.
🚀 Space Enthusiasts & Amateur Radio Operators
Even if a full tour isn't possible, learning about the Deep Space Network and its capabilities through the Barstow visitor center or online resources can be highly rewarding. The history of its development, including its design with slide rules and pencils, is a testament to human ingenuity.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Deep Space Network (DSN)
Goldstone itself hosts several large antennas, with the Mars Station being the most prominent at 70 meters in diameter. These colossal dishes are engineered to pick up faint signals from billions of miles away. The recent addition of Deep Space Station 23 (DSS-23), a 34-meter antenna, further enhances the complex's capabilities, demonstrating ongoing investment in our ability to explore the cosmos.
Visitors who manage to tour the facility often express awe at the sheer scale and technological sophistication. The complex's role in missions like the Mars rovers, the James Webb Space Telescope, and the Voyager probes highlights its profound impact on space exploration and our understanding of the universe.
Visiting Goldstone: Practicalities and Challenges
For international visitors, the hurdles are even greater. Reviews indicate that foreign nationals typically need to be accompanied by an in-service Department of Defense (DOD) personnel, making spontaneous visits or tours for tourists nearly impossible.
When planning a visit, even if successful, remember that Goldstone is situated in a harsh desert environment. Visitors are strongly advised to wear comfortable shoes, dress in layers to accommodate temperature fluctuations, and carry ample water.
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