Communications between the orbiter, the International Space Station, and Mission Control Houston/Moscow will remain predominantly the same as they exist today on the U.S. Space Shuttle. However, due to the unique air launch platform, there will be some minor differences.

    During prelaunch and shortly after launch, the orbiter will communicate via S-Band real-time transmission to the Mirya, with UHF as a backup for voice communications. From there the Mirya will be able to relay the communications through any number of methods and frequencies. The Mirya can relay to either a ground station or to a satellite, depending on who is running Mission Control (Houston, Moscow, or Paris) and the location of the Mirya during the launch sequence.

    When the obiter approaches the limit for S-Band communications to the Mirya it will lock on to and start transmitting to the Tracking and Data Relay Satellite System, This is the same communications network used for the U.S. Shuttle and Hubble Space Telescope. It should be noted that the International Space Station typically communicates directly with the ground and not through a communications network, although it is capable of using TDRSS if necessary.

    Once in orbit, the use of the Ku-Band communications with TDRSS is available, since there will be no atmospheric interference at that point. Ku-Band is capable of transmitting digital information much faster than S-Band, so it provides much clearer audio communications and allows for live video. Ku-Band is important for mission critical events in orbit such as docking so that Mission Control can keep a close eye if problems arise.  When in range of the ISS, S-Band, Ku-Band, and UHF frequencies become available for direct communications.

    Once docked to the space station communications are hard-wired via quick disconnect cabling running through the docking module hatch. As a backup, an 802.11a computer network connection will be available. This will be particularly useful in an emergency situation where the hard-line has to be disconnected but communications with space station systems is desired.

    After undocking, the orbiter uses TDRSS Ku-band, just as it had when it reached orbit. Prior reentry, the orbiter will switch to S-Band, sending its signals from antennas located behind the vertical stabilizers. This location of the antennas are ideal since they are at a brake in the plasma envelope during reentry. Plasma causes so much radio interference that it is impossible to get a signal through, creating the familiar "blackout" of the early manned spaceflights.

During the landing sequence, the orbiter can communicate to either the ground or to the Mirya if it is present via S-Band and UHF, in a manner similar to the launch sequence.