Experiments
Space Telemetry
A simulated DSN-inspired mission-operations interface exploring how operational data can feel clear, inspectable, and alive.
2026 / Experiments / Next.js / React / TypeScript / SVG / JPL Horizons API
Quick read
A clear breakdown of the product, the reasoning behind it, and the implementation choices that matter.
- Year
- 2026
- Category
- Experiments
- Status
- Interactive experiment
Overview
Space Telemetry is a simulated mission-operations experiment. It combines JPL Horizons mission-position data when available with explicitly simulated station, channel, signal, latency, status, and event data to explore the product design of real-time technical interfaces.
Why it exists
Operational interfaces have to make a changing system understandable quickly. A dense dashboard can create more ambiguity than it removes, especially when the user needs to understand what is connected, what changed, and what deserves attention.
How it works
The experiment starts with the network, then lets a user inspect one mission at a time. The interface keeps the visual hierarchy narrow: mission position and connection first, focused telemetry second, traces and recent operational events last.
Built with
Next.js / React / TypeScript / SVG / JPL Horizons API
What I focused on
- Built a keyboard-accessible mission selection model around a network overview.
- Separated real JPL Horizons positional enrichment from simulated operational telemetry.
- Used deterministic local simulation for a responsive interaction without claiming a live DSN feed.
What is real and what is simulated
Mission positions are enriched from the public JPL Horizons API when the source responds. DSN station assignment, channels, signal values, latency, connection state, and the event stream are simulated for this interface. The distinction remains visible in the experience rather than hidden in a footnote.