The Canberra Deep Space Communication Complex (CDSCC), also known as Tidbinbilla Space Tracking Station, is managed by the Australian government on behalf of the United States National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA). The facilities at CDSCC are similar to those at Madrid in Spain and Goldstone in California. Together with the control centres, these three complexes form the Deep Space Network (DSN) which has its headquarters at the Jet Propulsion Laboratory at Pasadena, California.

In February 1960, the Australian government agreed to co-operate with space programs being planned by NASA. In addition to three ACT stations, located at Honeysuckle Creek, Orroral Valley and Tidbinbilla, a number of installations were established at Woomera in SA, Muchea and Carnarvon in WA, and Toowoomba in Queensland. Changes to tracking requirements over the years saw the closure of all stations except Tidbinbilla, and a mobile laser tracking facility.

The CDSCC began in 1964 with a 26 metre, since enlarged to 34 metre, antenna known as Deep Space Station 42. In December 1972 the tracking capability was extended by completion of a 64 metre antenna, Deep Space Station 43, since enlarged to 70 metres. Funding and specifications for the CDSCC are provided by NASA, with design, construction, management, maintenance and operations carried out by the Australian government, and by contracts to private industry.

Source:

CDSCC, Tidbinbilla, ACT; Department of Science, c1986
Historical agency address
Tidbinbilla ACT
Legislation administered
Australian Space Council Act 1994

Superior agency unregistered

by1988: Australian Space Office