The European Space Agency (ESA) has inaugurated a new 35-meter deep space antenna at its New Norcia station in Western Australia. This fourth antenna for the Estrack network, named ‘New Norcia 3’, is a strategic investment to meet the agency’s fast-increasing data download needs from missions across the Solar System and to secure Europe’s independence and leadership in space.
Scheduled to enter service in 2026, the antenna will support flagship missions like Juice, BepiColombo, and Hera, and enable upcoming missions including Plato and Vigil. It is ESA’s most technologically sophisticated antenna to date, featuring cryogenically cooled components for detecting extremely weak signals and a powerful amplifier for transmitting commands billions of kilometers away. This advanced infrastructure is a cornerstone for maximizing the scientific return from valuable mission data.
The project, constructed on schedule by a European industrial consortium led by Thales Alenia Space, represents a symbol of ESA partnership with Australia. The Australian Space Agency contributed financially, highlighting the long-term cooperation between the regions. This collaboration unlocks local economic value and employment, paving the way for a new Cooperative Agreement. The antenna will also boost international collaboration, providing cross-support for other space agencies like NASA, JAXA, and ISRO, thereby increasing operational efficiency for all.
Located north of Perth, the New Norcia station’s strategic position provides around-the-clock coverage for deep space missions. Once operational, New Norcia will become ESA’s first ground station with two deep space antennas, locally operated by Australia’s national science agency, CSIRO. The station also supports launch vehicle tracking for Ariane 6 and Vega-C rockets and hosts calibration equipment for Earth observation missions.
