The Canberra Deep Space Communication Complex is one of three Deep Space Network stations around the world providing continuous, two-way radio contact with spacecraft exploring our solar system and beyond.
The Canberra Deep Space Communication Complex (CDSCC) is located at Tidbinbilla, just outside Canberra, Australia.
The CDSCC is part of NASA’s Deep Space Network (DSN) which provides continuous radio contact with spacecraft. Similar facilities are located in Spain and the United States of America.
Communication and research
The CDSCC has four operational antenna dishes operating at frequencies from 1 660 megahertz (MHz) to 32 gigahertz (GHz).
The Complex receives and transmits signals to and from spacecraft on mission.
These communications include:
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initial acquisition following launch
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during 'cruise phase' as the spacecraft heads for its destination
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critical support during fly-bys, orbital insertion or landing operations.
The CDSCC is currently supporting more than 40 missions, including:
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Cassini spacecraft at Saturn
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Mars missions - including the two Mars Exploration Rovers
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Messenger spacecraft travelling to Mercury
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New Horizons spacecraft traveling to Pluto
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Voyager 1 and 2, which have been in space for nearly 30 years.
The CDSCC assisted in receiving the first close up pictures of the surface of Mars.
In 1965, the CDSCC assisted in receiving the first close up pictures of the surface of Mars, taken by the Mariner 4 spacecraft. Since then, the Complex has been involved in hundreds of missions, including the Apollo missions to the Moon, the Skylab space station, and the early flights of the Space Shuttle.
The Complex is also involved in radio astronomy research. This includes:
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detection of objects such as black holes and pulsars
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radio frequency cataloguing
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Very Long Baseline Interferometry (VLBI): linking with other radio telescopes.
Funding and operations
The CDSCC is a NASA facility managed by CSIRO on behalf of the Australian Government. It operates through a government-to-government, treaty-level agreement.
CSIRO enters into contracts with Australian industry for the necessary staff and infrastructure. All daily operational, maintenance and personnel needs are coordinated by Raytheon Australia P/L. All operational costs are borne by NASA. The Complex's DSN activities are coordinated by NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL).
Approximately 130 personnel support the 24-hour operation of the Complex.
Visitor centre
The CDSCC's award-winning visitor centre is open every day and entry is free.
Facilities include:
View Larger Map Find out more about visiting the Canberra Deep Space Communication Complex [external link].
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