➀ NASA has selected four companies to develop its Near Space Network, enhancing communication capabilities for spacecraft. The network supports missions ranging from climate studies to lunar exploration. The companies include Intuitive Machines, Kongsberg Satellite Services, SSC Space, and Viasat. The project is valued at $4.82 billion and spans from February 2025 to September 2029 with an option to extend until September 2034. ➁ The network includes ground stations and Tracking Data and Relay Satellite (TDRS) systems, providing communication and navigation services for missions up to 1.2 million miles. It supports missions like the Hubble Space Telescope and the International Space Station. ➂ The ground stations and TDRS satellites enable spacecraft to transmit data directly to Earth, facilitating critical mission operations.