The European Space Agency (ESA) is set to inaugurate its fourth deep space antenna, New Norcia 3 (NNO3), on October 4, 2025. This new 35-meter antenna, located at the New Norcia station in Western Australia, will enhance ESA's deep space communication capabilities, providing continuous, round-the-clock coverage for missions across the solar system.
The NNO3 antenna is engineered to support a growing number of deep space missions, including the Jupiter Icy Moons Explorer (JUICE) and BepiColombo. It will enable higher data transmission rates through its K and Ka band capabilities, which are crucial for transmitting greater scientific data return for lunar, astronomical, and deep-space endeavors. The antenna will also facilitate radio science research for missions like BepiColombo and JUICE.
The development of NNO3 is a collaborative effort between ESA and the Australian Space Agency, with significant contributions from Australian businesses. This partnership aims to stimulate the local economy and foster international cooperation in space exploration. A media briefing is scheduled for September 22, 2025, to provide further details on the NNO3 antenna's capabilities and strategic importance, featuring key speakers from both space agencies.
The integration of NNO3 into ESA's Estrack network underscores the agency's commitment to enhancing its deep space communication infrastructure. This expansion aligns with a broader trend in deep space communication, with agencies like NASA also investing in new antenna technologies. The NNO3 antenna's construction, which began in 2022, involved the installation of a 122-tonne reflector dish. This project represents a significant investment, making it ESA's second deep-space antenna at the New Norcia site, complementing the existing NNO-1 and NNO-2 dishes.
The new facility will operate on X and Ka band frequencies, offering greater data capacity and improved radio research capabilities compared to older S-band frequencies. This upgrade will benefit missions such as ESA's Vigil mission, designed for space weather monitoring. The collaboration between ESA and Australia in space activities dates back to 1979, highlighting a shared vision for advancing space exploration and a growing momentum in Australia's space sector.