Located 1.5 hours northeast of Perth in the remote township of New Norcia, the NNO3 Deep Space Antenna is a critical addition to the European Space Agency’s (ESA) global deep space communication network. Designed to support future human deep space missions, the antenna will transmit and receive interplanetary signals, achieving communication between Earth and Deep Space.

Fredon (WA) was engaged by Thales Alenia Space (France) to deliver both the electrical and mechanical (HVAC) systems for this highly specialised facility. Working to stringent ESA specifications, the Fredon team successfully designed, installed, tested, and commissioned systems that ensure reliable operation under the demanding conditions required for deep space communication.

 Electrical Systems

Fredon Electrical was responsible for the complete supply and installation of electrical, lighting, and communications systems for the new NNO3 satellite facility.

The works involved:

– Establishment of temporary power and lighting to support construction activities.

– Design and installation of a lightning protection system achieving the ESA-specified 1M Ohm resistance.

– Installation of a new underground pit and pipe system for mains power connections.

– Supply and installation of new distribution boards and lighting throughout the AER and AIRCO buildings.

– Integration of advanced communications infrastructure.

– Full system testing and commissioning to ESA standards.

Mechanical (HVAC) Systems

Fredon delivered a high-efficiency HVAC system to support the antenna’s RF and support equipment, maintaining precise environmental conditions critical to performance.

The works involved:

– Two (2) high-efficiency air-cooled chillers with duty/standby configuration.

– Air handling units (AHUs) and pumps with full system redundancy.

– Mechanical switchboards with no-break and short-break configurations for critical applications.

– Integration with major deionised water systems.

– Full interfacing with the Siemens global Building Management System (BMS).

The HVAC team won the Minor Project Award at Fredon’s annual Online Conference.

The project reached practical completion mid-2025.