Capricorn Space expands WA capabilities

Privately funded Capricorn Space added additional capabilities at its 35-hectare site in Mingenew, Western Australia, to support both the Australian and global space industry.

Capricorn Space’s two five-metre S/X-Band antenna systems are being utilised providing services to global satellite constellation operators with attractions being a strategic landing location for satellite data, clear sky environment, full horizon-to-horizon visibility, a no-fly zone and a region embargoed by the national regulator for supporting satellite services. International satellite and ground station operators alike are also taking advantage of Capricorn Space’s $5m investment to install their own bespoke technologies to provide access to data streamed from satellites as they pass overhead.

Reliable off-grid power and high-speed optical fibre and microwave communications at the site mean the data collected can be transferred for processing anywhere in the world. Multiple antenna systems are being currently being installed for Italian-based Leaf Space, which provides ground segment services for microsatellite operators across a global network of 15 sites.

Capricorn Space was founded in 2018 and has expanded its capabilities during the challenges of lockdowns and lockouts during the COVID-19 pandemic. With key engineering and operations staff and facilities in Canberra and a team of support engineers and technicians in Western Australia the capability now in place is available to satellite operators whether flying a single mission or operating a constellation of satellites.