Editing Deep Space 1 (section)

===SDST===
[[File:MSL-SDST.jpg|thumb|A Small Deep Space Transponder]]
The [[Small Deep Space Transponder]] (SDST) is a compact and lightweight radio-communications system. Aside from using miniaturized components, the SDST is capable of communicating over the [[Ka band|K<sub>a</sub> band]]. Because this band is higher in frequency than bands currently in use by deep-space missions, the same amount of data can be sent by smaller equipment in space and on the ground. Conversely, existing DSN antennas can split time among more missions. At the time of launch, the DSN had a small number of K<sub>a</sub> receivers installed on an experimental basis; K<sub>a</sub> operations and missions are increasing.

The SDST has since been used on [[Small Deep Space Transponder#Missions|many other space missions]] such as the [[Mars Science Laboratory]] (the Mars rover ''[[Curiosity (rover)|Curiosity]]'').<ref>{{cite web |url=http://descanso.jpl.nasa.gov/DPSummary/Descanso14_MSL_Telecom.pdf |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100527101216/http://descanso.jpl.nasa.gov/DPSummary/Descanso14_MSL_Telecom.pdf |archive-date=2010-05-27 |url-status=live |title=Mars Science Laboratory Telecommunications System Design |series=Design and Performance Summary Series |publisher=NASA/Jet Propulsion Laboratory |first1=Andre |last1=Makovsky |first2=Peter |last2=Ilott |first3=Jim |last3=Taylor |date=November 2009}}</ref>