The European Space Agency (ESA) has inaugurated a new, technologically sophisticated deep space antenna at its New Norcia station in Western Australia. This fourth antenna for ESA’s Estrack network, named ‘New Norcia 3’, is a strategic investment to meet the agency’s fast-increasing data download needs from scientific missions across the Solar System.
The 35-metre diameter antenna, constructed for an estimated EUR 62.3 million, will secure Europe’s independence and leadership in space. It incorporates advanced communication capabilities, including components cryogenically cooled to -263°C, enabling it to detect extremely weak signals from distant spacecraft. A powerful amplifier allows it to transmit commands billions of kilometres away.
Scheduled to enter service in 2026, the antenna will be a critical enabler for flagship missions like Juice, BepiColombo, and the upcoming planetary defender, Hera. It also reinforces international collaboration, as it can support other space agencies like NASA, JAXA, and ISRO through mutual cross-support arrangements, boosting science return for all.
The inauguration, attended by ESA Director General Josef Aschbacher and the Head of the Australian Space Agency, Enrico Palermo, underscores the strong ESA partnership with Australia. This cooperation delivers significant economic and technological benefits and paves the way for a new formal Cooperation Agreement. Locally operated by Australia’s CSIRO, the New Norcia station’s strategic location provides essential around-the-clock coverage for deep space missions, making it a cornerstone of global space infrastructure.
