ESA inaugurates a new milestone in space communications with New Norcia 3
In a ceremony on 4 October, the European Space Agency (ESA) officially inaugurated the New Norcia 3 deep space antenna in Western Australia, marking a significant step in meeting Europe’s growing demand for high-volume data from space missions. Located in New Norcia, about 115 km north of Perth, the facility is part of ESA’s Estrack network and is designed to enhance the agency’s ability to receive data from spacecraft venturing far from Earth.
Strategic significance for Europe’s space leadership
Speaking at the ceremony, ESA Director General Josef Aschbacher underscored the project’s strategic value: “This investment reinforces ESA’s deep-space communication capabilities and maximises the return of our missions’ most valuable asset: data delivered from spacecraft voyaging far from Earth.” The New Norcia site is expected to begin operations in 2026, supporting ESA’s flagship missions within the Juice, Solar Orbiter, BepiColombo, Mars Express, and Hera fleets, while enabling future campaigns such as Plato, Envision, Ariel, Ramses and Vigil.
Beyond strictly European missions, the antenna will also bolster international collaboration. The agreement enables mutual cross-support with partners and can accommodate other space agencies, including NASA, JAXA, and ISRO, as well as commercial missions. This cross-pollination is intended to boost science return and operational efficiency for all parties involved.
Technical excellence and local economic impact
New Norcia 3 represents ESA’s most technologically advanced deep-space antenna to date, featuring components cryogenically cooled to around -263°C. This extreme sensitivity allows the system to detect extremely weak signals from distant spacecraft and maximize data return. The project demonstrates the capability to deploy sophisticated, world-class space infrastructure where needed, aligning with ESA’s goal of delivering reliable mission operations for a diverse portfolio of science and exploration programs.
The antenna is part of a broader economic and industrial collaboration between Europe and Australia. The construction, completed on schedule after starting in 2021, involved European industry leaders such as Thales Alenia Space (France) and Schwartz Hautmont Construcciones Metálicas (Spain) as co-prime contractors, with substantial Australian participation. Local companies including TIAM Solutions, Thales Australia, Fredon and Westforce Construction contributed to the project, reinforcing technology transfer and job creation in the region. The total construction cost is estimated at EUR 62.3 million, with EUR 3 million from the Australian Space Agency to support station evolution.
Australia-ESA partnership: a longer-term vision
Enrico Palermo, Head of the Australian Space Agency (ASA), highlighted the partnership’s broader implications: “Australia is well known as a trusted, experienced and capable operator in deep-space communications.” He noted that the project would unlock local economic value and employment over the anticipated 50-year lifetime of the station. The inauguration also featured prominent officials from Western Australia and CSIRO, reflecting a strong regional endorsement of the collaboration.
The event highlighted ongoing conversations toward a formal Cooperation Agreement between Australia and ESA, signaling a new chapter in European-Australian space relations. As ESA’s fourth deep-space antenna, the New Norcia facility strengthens international commitments in space science, safety, and mission operations, while supporting Europe’s leadership in deep-space exploration.
Looking ahead
With New Norcia 3 joining the Estrack network, ESA’s capacity to manage data-intensive missions is growing, enabling faster downlink, improved mission reliability, and enhanced cross-agency cooperation. As space agencies worldwide pursue ambitious programs, the Australian site stands as a tangible symbol of shared expertise and a platform for future discoveries—powered by data captured from missions voyaging far beyond Earth.
