The Madrid Deep Space Communications Complex (MDSCC), operated by NASA/INTA, is an associated member of the European VLBI Network (EVN). Constructed in 1964, and its first antenna, a 26m diameter dish, became operational in 1965. The complex has six operational antennas (one 70m –DSS-63- and five 34m –DSS-53, DSS-54, DSS-55, DSS-56 and DSS-65). These antennas participate in the VLBI observations performed with the European and global arrays and in the observations of the International VLBI Service for Geodesy and Astrometry (IVS). Using all operational antennas is supported by the JPL Reference Frame Calibration project for EOP determination and implementation and maintenance of a celestial reference frame for navigation purposes.
| geographic longitude: | – 04° 14′ 57″ |
| geographic latitude: | 40° 25′ 38″ |
| altitude above sea level: | 761 m |
| diameter telescope 1: | 70 m |
| diameter telescope 2: | 34 m |
| minimum elevation: | 6° |
Available observing mode: single dish, Very Long Baseline Interferometry (VLBI).
Frequencies used currently:
| Frequency band | Observing mode |
| 1400 – 1900 MHz | DSS-63 |
|
1628 MHz–1708 MHz |
DSS-63 |
| 2175 – 2315 MHz | DSS-54, DSS-63, DSS-56 |
| 2200 – 2300 MHz | DSS-63, DSS-65 |
| 8400 – 8500 MHz | DSS-65 |
| 8250 – 8650 MHz | DSS-54, DSS-55, DSS-63, DSS-65,
DSS-56, DSS-53 |
| 18.0 – 26.5 GHz | DSS-63 |
| 31.85 – 32.25 GHz | DSS-54, DSS-55, DSS-53, DSS-56 |
| 37 – 50 GHz | DSS-56, DSS-54 |
Research programs: solar radio astronomy (Jupiter, Mars, etc.), monitoring of active galactic nuclei and SNe, geodetic VLBI, global astrometry, space VLBI, water mega masers in radio quiet AGN, chemistry of ISM, protostars, nebulae and HII regions, evolved stars, PNe, transients like pulsars, etc.