Editing Mars Express (section)

==== Earth stations ====
Although communications with Earth were originally scheduled to take place with the ESA 35-meter wide Ground Station in New Norcia (Australia) [[New Norcia Station]], the mission profile of progressive enhancement and science return flexibility have triggered the use of the ESA [[ESTRACK]] Ground Stations in [[Cebreros Station]], [[Madrid]], Spain and [[Malargüe Station]], [[Argentina]].

In addition, further agreements with NASA [[Deep Space Network]] have made possible the use of American stations for nominal mission planning, thus increasing complexity but with a clear positive impact in scientific returns.

This inter-agency cooperation has proven effective, flexible and enriching for both sides. On the technical side, it has been made possible (among other reasons) thanks to the adoption of both Agencies of the Standards for Space Communications defined in [[CCSDS]].