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Construction has begun on the fourth deep-space antenna in ESA\u2019s global network<\/a>.<\/p>\n The new 35 m-diameter antenna will help fill a gap in supporting communications and data download for upcoming missions exploring our Solar System, studying our Universe and protecting Earth from solar hazards and risky asteroids, such as ESA\u2019s Juice<\/a> and Hera<\/a> missions.<\/p>\n It will join ESA\u2019s existing deep-space antenna at the Agency\u2019s New Norcia ground station, located 140 kilometres north of Perth, Western Australia, and is expected to enter operation in early-2025.<\/p>\n Representatives from ESA, Australia\u2019s national and regional governments, and the Australian Space Agency met on 16 June to kick off active construction at the New Norcia site.<\/p>\n The Australian Space Agency is providing local and financial support to the project. Australia\u2019s national science agency, CSIRO, has been ESA\u2019s local partner for operations and maintenance since 2019 and will likewise be responsible for the new antenna.<\/p>\n