Archive · 13 Jan 2026
ESA Launches New Deep Space Antenna
Scientists have built a big new antenna called New Norcia 3 in Australia to talk to spaceships far away.
It's part of a network that helps scientists send instructions to spaceships and get data back.
The antenna is very big and cold to pick up weak signals from space.
It works with other antennas in Spain and Argentina to always stay in touch with spaceships as Earth spins.
This helps scientists control spaceships, get pictures and data, and keep them safe.
ESA inaugurated a new deep space antenna called New Norcia 3 in Western Australia's outback.
The 115-foot antenna is part of the Estrack network, which supports spacecraft communication.
New Norcia 3 collaborates with stations in Spain and Argentina to maintain constant contact with spacecraft.
The antenna is designed to pick up weak radio signals from deep space using large reflectors and cooled receivers.
It supports various missions by coordinating flight plans, downloading scientific data, and ensuring the safety of spacecraft and crew.
- Who
- European Space Agency (ESA) and Australia
- What
- Inaugurated a new deep space antenna called New Norcia 3
- When
- Not specified
- Where
- Western Australia's outback
- Why
- To communicate with spacecraft in deep space and support various missions
- Antenna Name
- New Norcia 3
- Location
- Western Australia's outback
- Size
- 115-foot
- Network
- Estrack
- Purpose
- Communicate with deep space spacecraft
- Collaboration
- Europe and Australia
- Temperature
- -263°C (-441°F)