Space Communication Stations in Spain and their Contributions to Solar System Exploration

Paper number

IAC-06-E4.4.04

Author

Dr. Jose M Urech, INSA, Spain

Coauthor

Mr. Gregorio Rodriguez Pasero, Individual colaboration, Spain

Year

2006

Abstract

This paper deals with the long and productive history of the many SCS established in Spain since the beginning of the Space Era. As a consequence of an MOU between the Spanish and US governments in 1960, the first Station deployed was Maspalomas in Gran Canaria, supporting all American manned space flights: Mercury, Gemini, Apollo and ASTP, until deactivation by NASA in 1975. Since then, it was transferred to Spain, participating under INTA in other ESA, NASDA and Spanish programs.
   A very important Cooperative Agreement (still active) was signed by Spain and the USA, in January 1964, to allow the construction of a Deep Space Station near Madrid, at Robledo de Chavela. It was operational by July 1965, just in time to support Mariner 4 for the first planetary encounter with Mars. Robledo Station has been continually growing, becoming the consolidated Madrid Deep Space Communication Complex, one of the three unique NASA complexes around the world, with Goldstone (California) and Canberra (Australia). Present resources are: one 70m, four 34m, and a 26m antennae. In its more than 40 years of existence it has participated in all NASA missions exploring our Solar System, and in some cooperative projects with other Space Agencies. Based on the same Agreement, NASA opened two more stations in the Madrid area: another DSS at Cebreros (1966 to 1983) for planetary missions, and one at Fresnedillas (1967 to 1985) for the Apollo Project and follow-ups including the first Shuttle flights. Both were closed and their activities consolidated at Robledo Complex.
   Another agreement was signed by Spain and ESA to open (1975) a ground Station at Villafranca del Castillo, also near Madrid for convenience related to the other facilities. The main missions supported were IUE and ISO, but acting as the scientific control center for the last. Presently Villafranca as a Science Center and Tracking Station is also controlling the second ESA DSS that, with a new 35 m antenna, has been installed at the old Cebreros Facility.
   Spanish participation in all the above stations has been very important as an excellent opportunity to contribute to the successful exploration of Space, and to train many engineers and technicians to the benefit of Spanish industry and the cooperating agencies. The merit belongs mainly to INTA that had direct responsibilities for many years, and later on INSA, the company created in 1992 by INTA to take over these and other engineering activities.

Abstract document

IAC-06-E4.4.04.pdf

Manuscript document

IAC-06-E4.4.04.pdf (🔒 authorized access only).

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