The European Space Agency (ESA) has significantly enhanced its capabilities for deep space communication with the inauguration of a new 35-meter diameter deep space antenna, known as ‘New Norcia 3’. This state-of-the-art facility, located approximately 115 km north of Perth in Western Australia, marks the fourth addition to ESA's Estrack deep space tracking network. The new antenna is designed to manage the agency's rapidly growing data download requirements and to bolster Europe’s independence and leadership in space exploration.
During the inauguration ceremony held on October 4, 2025, ESA’s Director General, Josef Aschbacher, emphasized the strategic importance of this investment. He stated, “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.” This new initiative also opens up exciting opportunities for collaboration between the European and Australian space sectors, with Australia recently announcing plans to begin negotiations for a cooperative agreement with ESA.
Construction of the New Norcia 3 antenna commenced in 2021 and has remained on schedule, showcasing the exceptional capabilities of both ESA and the collaborating industries in Australia and Europe. Once operational in 2026, this advanced deep space antenna will support various flagship missions under ESA’s scientific, exploration, and space safety fleets, including prominent projects like Juice, Solar Orbiter, BepiColombo, Mars Express, and Hera. Additionally, it will play a crucial role in facilitating upcoming missions such as Plato, Envision, Ariel, Ramses, and Vigil.
The newly inaugurated antenna is not only pivotal for ESA’s missions but also serves as a vital resource for international collaboration. It has the potential to support other space agencies, including NASA, JAXA (Japan), and ISRO (India), along with commercial space ventures. This collaboration is set to enhance operational efficiency and scientific returns for all involved parties.
The New Norcia 3 antenna is the most technologically advanced facility of its kind developed by ESA to date. It incorporates sophisticated deep space communication technologies, including components that are cryogenically cooled to approximately -263°C, near absolute zero. This exceptional sensitivity enables the antenna to detect extremely weak signals from distant spacecraft, maximizing data transmission capabilities. Further enhancing its functionality, the antenna is equipped with a 20kW radio-frequency amplifier that facilitates the transmission of commands to spacecraft located millions, or even billions, of kilometers from Earth.
Since its opening in 2003, ESA's Estrack station at New Norcia has exemplified the agency's commitment to engaging with the Asia-Pacific region, particularly Australia. This collaboration not only fosters significant economic and technological advantages but also sets the stage for future partnerships in areas such as communications, space safety, and mission operations. Enrico Palermo, Head of the Australian Space Agency, remarked, “Australia is well known as a trusted, experienced and capable operator in deep-space communications. This investment by ESA and the Australian Government will unlock millions of dollars in local economic value as well as employment over the projected lifetime of 50 years.”
The inauguration ceremony featured prominent figures including ESA Director General Josef Aschbacher, Australian Space Agency Head Enrico Palermo, ESA Director of Operations Rolf Densing, and several ministers from the Western Australian government. Together, they celebrated the successful completion of the new deep space antenna, which has an estimated construction cost of EUR 62.3 million, funded through contributions from both ESA and the Australian government.
Construction efforts were spearheaded by European firms, including Thales Alenia Space (France) and Schwartz Hautmont Construcciones Metálicas (Spain), with significant budget allocations directed to Australian companies such as TIAM Solutions, Thales Australia, Fredon, and Westforce Construction. Hervé Derrey, CEO of Thales Alenia Space, noted, “This new deep-space antenna is a cornerstone for European and Australian space industries, demonstrating our capacity to build strategic, world-class space infrastructure.”
The New Norcia ground station boasts a strategic geographical position that allows for continuous coverage of deep space missions. This addition complements existing ESA stations in Malargüe (Argentina) and Cebreros (Spain). With the operational launch of New Norcia 3, it will become ESA’s first ground station equipped with two deep space antennas, further enhancing its capabilities.
ESA acknowledges the Traditional Owners and Custodians of the lands on which they operate, specifically the Yued people of the Noongar nation, and expresses respect for their connection to the land and community.
