ESA inaugurates a new milestone in deep-space communication
The European Space Agency (ESA) has officially inaugurated its latest deep-space antenna at New Norcia, Western Australia, a strategic installation designed to meet Europe’s growing demand for high-volume data from distant missions. Located about 115 km north of Perth, the New Norcia 3 antenna is part of ESA’s Estrack network, reinforcing Europe’s independence and leadership in space data handling as missions venture farther into the solar system.
Strategic significance and purpose
Speaking at the ceremony on 4 October, ESA Director General Josef Aschbacher highlighted that the antenna represents a pivotal investment in deep-space communications. He stressed that the facility will maximize the return on the data delivered from spacecraft traveling far from Earth and will unlock new opportunities for collaboration with Australia, which recently signaled its intent to negotiate a cooperative agreement with ESA.
Construction began in 2021 and proceeded on schedule, reflecting the joint effort of ESA, European industry, and Australian partners. When fully commissioned in 2026, New Norcia 3 will support ESA’s flagship missions—such as Juice, Solar Orbiter, BepiColombo, Mars Express, and Hera—and will serve as a critical enabler for upcoming programs including Plato, Envision, Ariel, Ramses, and Vigil.
Technical capabilities and international collaboration
As part of the Estrack network, the New Norcia antenna is designed to maximize data return from deep-space missions. It embodies cutting-edge deep-space communication technology, including components cooled cryogenically to around -263°C to detect extremely weak signals from distant spacecraft. This high sensitivity ensures robust data acquisition and efficiency for a broad range of missions, both current and future.
The antenna also supports international collaboration by enabling cross-support with other space agencies and commercial missions. In a spirit of mutual assistance, the facility can assist NASA, JAXA, ISRO, and various commercial partners, enhancing scientific output and operational reliability for all parties involved.
A symbol of enduring European-Australian space partnership
New Norcia’s role extends beyond technical capability; it stands as a symbol of sustained cooperation between Europe and Australia in space. ESA’s Estrack station at New Norcia has long underscored Australia’s role in the Asia-Pacific space landscape, offering economic, technological, and scientific benefits and laying groundwork for future joint activities across communications, space safety, and mission operations.
Enrico Palermo, head of the Australian Space Agency (ASA), framed the project as a catalyst for local value, noting the creation of jobs and economic activity over a projected 50-year lifetime. He also pointed to a broader trajectory, highlighting ongoing discussions to formalize a Cooperation Agreement between Australia and ESA.
Ceremony partners and funding highlights
The inauguration was led by ESA’s Josef Aschbacher alongside Enrico Palermo, Rolf Densing (ESA Director of Operations), and regional officials including Western Australia Ministers Stephen Dawson and Sabine Winton. The project carried a total estimated cost of EUR 62.3 million, with EUR 3 million provided by the ASA to support evolution of the New Norcia station. Construction was led by European industry—Thales Alenia Space (France) and Schwartz Hautmont Construcciones Metálicas (Spain)—with substantial Australian participation from TIAM Solutions, Thales Australia, Fredon, and Westforce Construction.
Looking ahead
With the new antenna entering service in 2026, ESA will extend its mission operations capabilities and broaden cooperation with Australia and other partners. The New Norcia facility promises to extend Europe’s reach into deep space, ensuring data-rich science returns from ambitious exploration and safety missions while fostering a robust, collaborative, international space ecosystem.
