ESA inaugurates new deep-space antenna in Australia

Deep Space Communications ESA inaugurates new deep-space antenna in Australia

2025-10-09 From ESA 2 min Reading Time

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The European Space Agency (ESA) has inaugurated its newest 35-metre deep-space antenna in New Norcia, Western Australia, expanding Europe’s capacity to communicate with scientific, exploration, and space safety missions across the Solar System. The facility marks a major step toward securing Europe’s autonomy and leadership in space operations.

ESA’s newly inaugurated 35 m New Norcia 3 deep-space antenna in Western Australia strengthens Europe’s capability to communicate with spacecraft across the Solar System.(Source: ©ESA) — ESA’s newly inaugurated 35 m New Norcia 3 deep-space antenna in Western Australia strengthens Europe’s capability to communicate with spacecraft across the Solar System.
(Source: ©ESA)

Named New Norcia 3, the antenna is the fourth addition to ESA’s Estrack deep-space tracking network and the second at the New Norcia site, about 115 km north of Perth. Construction began in 2021 and was completed on schedule, reflecting close cooperation between ESA, European and Australian industries, and the Australian Space Agency (ASA).

“This strategic investment strengthens ESA’s deep-space communication capabilities and maximises the return from our most valuable asset: data sent from spacecraft far from Earth,” said ESA Director General Josef Aschbacher at the inauguration. “With Australia announcing negotiations toward a cooperation agreement with ESA this week, new opportunities are opening between the European and Australian space sectors.”

When it becomes operational in 2026, the antenna will support ESA’s flagship missions – including Juice, Solar Orbiter, BepiColombo, Mars Express, and Hera – and future missions such as Plato, EnVision, Ariel, Ramses, and Vigil.

Built using advanced cryogenically cooled receivers operating at –263 °C, New Norcia 3 can detect the faintest signals from spacecraft millions or even billions of kilometres away. Its high-power 20 kW transmitter allows ESA to send commands to deep-space probes, while the antenna’s active electronically scanned array (AESA) technology provides panoramic 360° coverage and fast one-second refresh cycles.

The inauguration ceremony was presided over by ESA Director General Josef Aschbacher together with Enrico Palermo, Head of the Australian Space Agency.(Source: @ESA) — The inauguration ceremony was presided over by ESA Director General Josef Aschbacher together with Enrico Palermo, Head of the Australian Space Agency.
(Source: @ESA)

The €62.3 million project was led by Thales Alenia Space (France) and Schwartz Hautmont Construcciones Metálicas (Spain), with significant contributions from Australian firms including TIAM Solutions, Thales Australia, Fredon, and Westforce Construction. The ASA contributed €3 million to modernise the site’s infrastructure.

“This new antenna is a milestone for the European and Australian space industries,” said Hervé Derrey, CEO of Thales Alenia Space. “Its completion demonstrates our ability to deliver world-class space infrastructure, essential to mission operations and scientific discovery.”

The New Norcia station, first opened in 2003, symbolises the longstanding partnership between Europe and Australia in space operations. Operated locally by CSIRO, Australia’s national science agency, the facility complements ESA’s deep-space stations in Malargüe (Argentina) and Cebreros (Spain), ensuring continuous 24-hour coverage for European and international missions.

Enrico Palermo, Head of the Australian Space Agency, emphasised the long-term value: “This investment will create local jobs and deliver millions in economic benefit over its 50-year lifetime. It represents another chapter in the Australia-Europe space partnership that continues to grow.”

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