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2025 marks a landmark year for Europe\u2019s \u2018bridge between Earth and space\u2019. The European Space Agency\u2019s Estrack satellite tracking network turns 50.<\/p>\n
Since its inception in 1975, Estrack \u2013 ESA\u2019s global network of ground stations \u2013 has formed the vital communication bridge between satellites in orbit and mission control at the European Space Operations Centre (ESOC) in Darmstadt, Germany.<\/p>\n
Now comprising six stations spanning six countries, Estrack has grown into a strategic asset for Europe, enabling communication with spacecraft, transmitting commands and receiving scientific data.<\/p>\n
The network keeps an eye on satellites no matter their location: tracking them across Earth orbit, voyaging to comets or asteroids, keeping station at the scientifically important Sun-Earth Lagrange points, and deep into our Solar System. It even keeps tabs on European launchers as they soar into orbit, ensuring no rocket is ever out of reach.<\/p>\n
This year, ESA is also expanding its deep space communication capabilities with the construction of a new 35-metre deep space antenna \u2013 the fourth of its kind. It will be joining the existing one at New Norcia station, Australia, to help meet the Agency’s fast increasing data download needs.<\/p>\n
Access the related broadcast quality footage.<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n
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