Australia’s key role in global space exploration has been reaffirmed with the construction starting on a new, state-of-the-art antenna at NASA’s Deep Space Network (DSN) facility near Canberra.
The milestone coincides with the 60th anniversary of the site’s entry into the DSN, which supports communication with spacecraft across the solar system.
One of only three in the world
Canberra’s DSN complex is one of only three in the world — along with Madrid and Goldstone in California — and the only one located in the Southern Hemisphere.
Its strategic position makes it uniquely capable of communicating with Voyager 2, which is travelling more than 21 billion kilometres from Earth.
“Canberra has played a crucial part in tracking, communicating, and collecting data from some of the most momentous missions in space history,” said Kevin Ferguson, director of the Canberra Deep Space Communication Complex.
Antenna Features
The new 34-metre-wide antenna, Deep Space Station 33, will be largely built underground and designed to handle multiple frequencies.
Its advanced electronics will be housed in a climate-controlled concrete pedestal, supporting a rotating dish mounted on a steel platform.
Once completed in 2029, it will be the final antenna delivered under NASA’s DSN Aperture Enhancement Program.
“As we look back on 60 years of incredible accomplishments at Canberra, the groundbreaking of a new antenna is a symbol for the next 60 years of scientific discovery,” said Kevin Coggins, deputy associate administrator of NASA’s Space Communications and Navigation (SCaN) Program.
“Building cutting-edge antennas is also a symbol of how the Deep Space Network embraces new technologies to enable the exploration of a growing fleet of space missions.”
Preparing for the future
NASA is also preparing for the future with laser-based optical communications, currently being tested via the Psyche mission.
This system has already transmitted high-definition video from deep space and could be combined with radio systems to form hybrid antennas.
“These new technologies have the potential to boost the science and exploration returns of missions travelling throughout the solar system,” said Amy Smith, deputy project manager for the DSN at JPL.