JPL deep space telecommunication systems design approach is based on statistical method, and has been in practice since 1975, superseding the deterministic approach used prior to that time. Document 1 is the official policy, approved by the appropriate JPL officials. Document 2 is the basic work on which the official policy is based.
Document 1. Policy for the Design of Deep Space Telecommunication Systems, by R. P. Mathison, Interoffice Memo 3390-75-47, Jet Propulsion Laboratory, Pasadena, California, November 4, 1975.
Document 2. A Practical Statistical Model for Telecommunications Performance Uncertainty, by Joseph H. Yuen, Technical Memorandom 33-732, Jet Propulsion Laboratory, Pasadena, California, June 15, 1975.