ESA Unveils New 35-Meter Antenna in Australia to enhance Deep-Space Communication

The European Space Agency (ESA) has bolstered its capabilities for deep-space communication with the unveiling of a new 35-meter antenna at its station in New Norcia, Australia, marking the establishment of the fourth antenna in ESA’s Estrack deep-space tracking network. The new facility, inaugurated on October 4, aims to support the increasing demands for data transmission from ESA’s scientific and exploratory missions throughout the Solar System.

Located approximately 115 kilometers north of Perth, the ‘New Norcia 3’ antenna is set to enhance Europe’s capacity for independent space operations. During the inauguration, ESA Director General Josef Aschbacher stated, “This strategic investment strengthens ESA’s communication capabilities at deep space and maximizes the return of invaluable data collected from our missions.” He emphasized that this project comes alongside Australia’s announcement to negotiate a cooperative agreement with ESA, which further promises to build bridges between European and Australian space sectors.

Construction of the antenna began in 2021, adhering to its projected timeline, and reflects robust collaboration between ESA, European and Australian industries. Once operational in 2026, the new antenna will support ongoing flagship missions, including Juice, Solar Orbiter, BepiColombo, Mars Express, and Hera, while also serving future initiatives like Plato, Envision, and Vigil. It will enhance ESA’s abilities to engage in international collaboration with other agencies, including NASA and Japan’s JAXA, streamlining scientific and operational efficiencies.

The New Norcia station’s fourth antenna, hailed as the most sophisticated to date, incorporates cutting-edge technology designed to capture weak signals from distant spacecraft. This includes components cooled to near absolute zero and a high-power radio frequency amplifier capable of sending commands to spacecraft located millions of kilometers away. Complementing advanced clocking and timing systems, the antenna is equipped to facilitate comprehensive deep-space communication.

This new addition showcases ESA’s longstanding commitment to collaboration with Australia, established since the opening of the New Norcia station in 2003. Enrico Palermo, the Head of the Australian Space Agency, remarked on the potential economic impact of this investment, projecting significant local benefits and job creation over the next 50 years. He noted that this initiative marks an important chapter in the collaborative narrative between Australian and European space efforts.

The inauguration was attended by key figures, including ESA Director General Aschbacher, the Australian Space Agency’s Palermo, and various local and regional officials. The initiative represents an investment of approximately €62.3 million, with funding contributions from the Australian Space Agency aimed at enhancing the New Norcia Station infrastructure.

Construction on the project involved multiple European and Australian companies, which underscores the partnership’s foundation. Hervé Derrey, CEO of Thales Alenia Space, underscored the achievement, stating this antenna will serve as a foundational piece for future endeavors in both the European and Australian space industries.

Prior to the official opening, the new antenna achieved a significant milestone by successfully receiving its first signal from the ESA’s Euclid spacecraft during calibration, demonstrating its advanced reception capabilities designed to handle faint signals from deep space.

With New Norcia strategically positioned for continuous support of deep-space missions, this upgrade will complement existing ESA facilities in Argentina and Spain. The addition of this second deep-space antenna cements New Norcia’s role as a central hub for ESA’s ambitious space exploration goals. The operations are managed locally by CSIRO, Australia’s national science agency, which also oversees NASA’s deep-space complex in Tidbinbilla.