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ESA\u2019s deep-space communication station in Spain has received a \u2018cool\u2019 new upgrade.<\/p>\n
The \u2018antenna feed\u2019 connecting the physical Ka-band antenna to the station\u2019s electronic signal transmitter and receiver is now being cooled to -263\u00b0C. That\u2019s just 10 degrees above the coldest temperature possible in the Universe.<\/p>\n
Cryocooling the feed reduces \u2018thermal noise\u2019 \u2013 background interference that limits the sensitivity and data transfer rate of our antennas.<\/p>\n
ESA can now download up to 100% more science data from its increasingly complex science missions, with a boost of up to 80% for deep-space missions like Juice and BepiColombo.<\/p>\n
This photo shows the cryocooled technology undergoing a \u2018noise temperature\u2019 test onsite at its manufacturer, Callisto.<\/p>\n
The upgrade is part of a series taking place at the three deep-space stations in ESA\u2019s \u2018Estrack\u2019 network, located in New Norcia (Australia), Cebreros (Spain) and Malarg\u00fce (Argentina).<\/p>\n
\u201cWith these upgrades, ESA is pushing the limits of what\u2019s technically possible and enabling scientists to explore new worlds and gather unprecedented amounts of data,\u201d says St\u00e9phane Halt\u00e9, ESA ground station engineer.<\/p>\n
Estrack is one of only two global deep-space antenna networks on Earth and is a cornerstone of ESA\u2019s international collaboration.<\/p>\n
ESA missions and those of partner agencies such as NASA, JAXA and ISRO, as well as those of private companies, rely on Estrack to provide the vital communication link between mission control and distant spacecraft.<\/p>\n
Demand for Estrack support is high, so ESA is constructing a second antenna in Australia and squeezing out maximum performance from its existing antennas by deploying new technologies such as cryocooled antenna feeds.<\/p>\n
Click here for more info on these upgrades. Click here for more info on the companies involved and the potential for technology transfer to applications such as quantum computing.<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n