New Norcia Deep Space Antenna NNO-3

Location

Value

$5M – $10M ~

Client

Thales Alenia Space

Completion Year

2024

Project Overview

Thales Alenia Space France (TAS), as lead contractor of the European Deep Antenna Alliance (E-DSA²), is delivering the NNO-3 Deep Space Antenna for the European Space Agency (ESA). Located at ESA’s New Norcia site in Western Australia, the new 35-metre antenna will expand ESA’s global ground station network.

Together with antennas in Argentina and Spain, it will enable continuous communications with spacecraft across the Solar System, monitor asteroid activity, and support solar observation to protect Earth from space hazards.

Project Scope

Six-month design phase followed by ten-month construction phase
Design of thermally clad concrete tower with Azimuth and Seismic rings (supplied by others) to tight tolerances
Foundation design including deep excavation to rock, mass concrete infill, ring beam, and stabilised sand backfill
Structural design of tower with ground slab, service trench, antenna equipment room, attic, mezzanine floor, access stairs, entrance portico, and “airco” shelter
Mechanical and electrical services design, including chillers and air handling units
External civil design for road access, apron, and drainage
Construction of tower, foundations, and installation of cast-ins for mirrors and Azimuth/Seismic rings
Remaining works by other contractors (mechanical, electrical, civils, portico, “airco” structure)
Scope excluded antenna and scientific instruments/equipment

Project Stats

Concrete: 1,500m³ ~
Detailed Earthworks: 1,000m³ ~
Bulk Earthworks: 10,000m³ ~
Reinforcement: 150T ~

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