The European Space Agency (ESA) has inaugurated a new, technologically sophisticated deep space antenna at its New Norcia ground station in Western Australia. This fourth antenna for the Estrack network, named ‘New Norcia 3’, is a strategic investment that reinforces Europe’s independence and leadership in space. The 35-meter diameter antenna will significantly boost the agency’s data download capabilities from its fleet of scientific missions voyaging across the Solar System.
Scheduled to enter service in 2026, the new infrastructure will support flagship missions like Juice, BepiColombo, and Hera, and will be a critical enabler for upcoming missions including Plato and Vigil. It also enhances international collaboration, as the antenna can support other space agencies such as NASA, JAXA, and ISRO through cross-support arrangements, boosting science return for all. The antenna is the most advanced to date, featuring components cryogenically cooled to -263°C to detect incredibly weak signals from distant spacecraft and a powerful amplifier to send commands billions of kilometres away.
The inauguration, attended by ESA Director General Josef Aschbacher and the Head of the Australian Space Agency, Enrico Palermo, underscores the strong partnership between ESA and Australia. This cooperation delivers significant economic and technological benefits for both. The antenna’s construction, led by European industry with substantial Australian subcontractor involvement, had an estimated cost of EUR 62.3 million, supported by a contribution from the Australian Space Agency.
The New Norcia station, locally operated by Australia’s CSIRO, provides a strategic geographical position for around-the-clock mission coverage. Once operational, New Norcia will become ESA’s first ground station with two deep space antennas, solidifying a key node in its global network and paving the way for further collaboration in space safety and mission operations.
