ESA Opens New Norcia Deep Space Antenna to Strengthen Global Communications
The European Space Agency (ESA) has officially inaugurated the New Norcia 3 deep space antenna in Western Australia, marking a significant milestone in long-distance spacecraft communications. Located about 115 km north of Perth, the antenna is the fourth in the ESA’s Estrack network and the second at the New Norcia site. The opening ceremony on 4 October highlighted Europe’s commitment to securing leadership in space data, while expanding international collaboration with Australia and other partners.
Strategic Significance: Data as a Cornerstone of Space Leadership
Director General Josef Aschbacher underscored the strategic value of the New Norcia installation. “This strategic 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 antenna will support ESA’s flagship missions—such as Juice, Solar Orbiter, BepiColombo, Mars Express, and Hera—and enable future initiatives including Plato, Envision, Ariel, Ramses, and Vigil. Beyond science, the project consolidates Europe’s independence in space data and strengthens the agency’s ability to operate across diverse missions and environments.
European-Australian Cooperation and Economic Benefits
The ceremony also highlighted a broader partnership trajectory. Australia recently signalled its intent to begin negotiations on a Cooperation Agreement with ESA, signaling deeper collaboration in space safety, mission operations, and communications. Enrico Palermo, Head of the Australian Space Agency, noted that the project will unlock significant local economic value and employment over its 50-year horizon while cementing a trusted, capable operator role for Australia in deep-space communications.
Technical Excellence: The Most Advanced Deep Space Antenna in Echo Network
The New Norcia installation represents the most technologically sophisticated antenna in ESA’s Estrack network to date. It features cryogenically cooled components reaching around -263°C, enabling extreme sensitivity to detect faint signals from distant spacecraft and maximize data return. When fully operational in 2026, the antenna will enable mutual cross-support with other space agencies, including NASA, JAXA, and ISRO, as well as commercial missions. This cross-agency capability is expected to boost science returns and operational efficiency for all partners involved.
Project Scale and Local Involvement
The project had a total estimated cost of EUR 62.3 million, covering procurement, construction, and upgrades to station facilities. Australian contributions included EUR 3 million from the Australian Space Agency to support the evolution of the New Norcia station. Construction was led by European industry with Thales Alenia Space (France) and Schwartz Hautmont Construcciones Metálicas (Spain) as co-prime contractors, and substantial Australian participation from companies like TIAM Solutions, Thales Australia, Fredon, and Westforce Construction.
A Symbol of Ongoing Space Collaboration
Opened previously in 2003, ESA’s Estrack station at New Norcia demonstrates a long-standing collaboration with Australia in the Asia-Pacific region. The new antenna reinforces the mutual benefits of such partnerships, enabling advanced communications, space safety, and mission operations—areas where Europe and Australia are poised to innovate together. Aschbacher, Palermo, and ESA Director of Operations Rolf Densing led the inauguration alongside regional officials, underscoring a shared vision for expanding space capabilities and opportunities in the decades ahead.
Looking Ahead: A Platform for Future Missions
With its service slated to begin in 2026, the New Norcia antenna will play a pivotal role in ESA’s scientific, exploration, and space safety fleets. Its integration into the Estrack network ensures that Europe can continue to receive timely data from missions venturing far from Earth while offering enhanced cross-support for international partners. The project is a clear indicator that European and Australian space sectors are ready to collaborate on ambitious missions that push the boundaries of what is possible in space exploration.
