A new deep-space antenna was launched in WA this weekend, expanding capabilities to communicate with spacecraft across the solar system. The European Space Agency (ESA) has incorporated the new 35-metre antenna at its New Norcia station to help meet increasing data download needs. European Space Agency’s New Norcia 3 deep space antenna an hour north of Perth. “This strategic investment reinforces ESA’s deep-space communication capabilities and maximises the return of our missions’ most valuable asset: data delivered from spacecraft voyaging far from Earth,” Director General of ESA Josef Aschbacher said. “New and exciting opportunities between the European and Australian space sectors are opening up with Australia announcing this week a mandate to begin negotiations on a cooperative agreement with ESA.”