L’European Space Agency (ESA) has expanded its ability to communicate with scientific, exploration and space safety missions within our solar system with The inauguration of a new antenna for the deep space with a diameter of 35 metersthe fourth for Estrackthe space tracking network of ESA. Located in New Norcia, about 115 km north of Perth, in Western Australia, the “New Norcia 3” antenna will contribute to satisfying the growing needs of the agency data download and guaranteeing independence and European leadership in space.
On the occasion of the inauguration, Josef AschbacherGeneral Manager of ESA, said: “This strategic investment strengthens the communication skills in the profound space of ESA and maximizes the return of the most precious good of our missions: the data transmitted by the probes that travel far from the earth. New and exciting opportunities are open between the European and Australian space sectors, with the announcement by Australia this week of the mandate to start the negotiations for a cooperation agreement with the ESA“.
Started in 2021 and delivered in scheduled times, this construction is the result of the extraordinary skills of ESA, the European and Australian industry and the excellent cooperation with the Australian partners. When the new antenna for the deep space comes into service in 2026, it will support the main ESA missions currently underway in scientific fleets, exploration and space safety, including Juice, Solar Orbiter, BepiColombo, Mars Express e Heraand it will be a fundamental element for future missions such as Plato, Envision, Ariel, Ramses e Vigil.
The new antenna, as part of the Estrack network, will also contribute to the ESA international collaboration efforts. Thanks to the crossing agreements with the agency partners, the new infrastructure will also be able to assist other space agencies such as the NASAthe Japanese Jaxa and the Indian ISROin addition to commercial space missions, increasing scientific returns and operational efficiency for all parties involved.
The fourth antenna for the deep space of ESA – the second in the New Norcia headquarters – is the most sophisticated from the technological point of view made so far. Integrates advanced communication skills in deep space, including cryogenically cooled components up to approximately -263°Cclose to absolute zero. This sensitivity allows it to detect extremely weak signals from distant space probes and to maximize the return of data.
A symbol of the partnership between ESA and Australia
Inaugurated in 2003, the ESA Station of New Norcia shows the Agency’s strong commitment in the Asia-Pacific Region and in particular in Australia, part of long-term cooperation in the space sector. The structure generates significant economic, technological and scientific benefits for both partners and will open the way to further collaborations in areas such as communications, space safety and mission operations.
Enrico PalermoDirector of the Australian space agency (ASA), said: “Australia is well known as a reliable, expert and capable operator in communications with deep space. This investment of the Australian ESA and government will unlock millions of dollars of local economic value as well as generating employment for the entire expected duration of 50 years“. “It is another chapter in the history of the space partnership between Australia and Europe, which we will further develop with the start of the negotiations for a new cooperation agreement between Australia and the ESA“He added.
The ceremony of inauguration He was led by the general manager of ASA Josef Aschbacher together with Enrico Palermo, head of the Australian space agency, and Rolf Densing, director of the ESA operations, with the participation of Stephen Dawson, minister for regional development, ports, science and innovation, medical research and the Kimberley region of western Australia, and of Sabine Winton, ministra for education, Childhood, preventive health and the Wheatbelt region.
The new plant has a cost of construction estimated at 62.3 million euros, which covers the supply and construction of the antenna as well as updates to the buildings and services of the station, with a contribution of 3 million euros by the Australian space agency intended for the evolution of the New Norcia station.
The construction was led by the European industry, with Thales Alenia Space (Francia) e Schwartz Hautmont Metal Constructions (Spain) as Co-Prime Contractor. A significant part of the budget was spent in Australia, with the involvement of several local companies including TIAM Solutions, Thales Australia, Fredon e Westforce Construction.
“This new antenna for deep space is a milestone for European and Australian space industries“, Said Hervé Derrey, CEO of Thales Alenia Space.”Its inauguration demonstrates our ability to build strategic and worldwide spatial infrastructures everywhere. It has requested the implementation of advanced technologies and shows that we are able to provide operating infrastructures that allow European scientists to explore where they want. Together with Schwartz Hautmont and Mtex Antenna Technology, we are very proud of this first great success for the Consortium E-DSA²“.
A new antenna at the Terra di New Norcia dell’Eas station
The earth stations and the ASA antennas in New Norcia are locally managed by CSIROthe Australian National Scientific Agency. Csiro also manages the communication complex for the deep space of NASA located in Tidbinbilla, near Canberra.
