The installation of a new X-band frequency transmitter/receiver cone was achieved on the 7th May 2020, as part of the upgrades to the 48 year old, 70 metre (230 feet) diameter antenna dish, Deep Space Station 43 (DSS43).

The early morning operation to lift the X-band cone, used a 400 tonne crane with a height of 70 metres and a jib arm extending 43 metres into the heart of the dish, to take the two-storey, 3 tonne cone and place it gently into position.

The upgrades to DSS43 will ensure that the antenna is well positioned to operate for many years to come, in support of dozens of robotic spacecraft exploring the Solar System and beyond. DSS43 will also support future missions as humans return to the surface of the Moon and one day venture to set foot on Mars.

The Canberra Deep Space Communication Complex (CDSCC) is a part of NASA's Deep Space Network.

Please note that special permission was obtained to fly drones in the restricted airspace around CDSCC. Footage was gathered for safety, engineering and instructional purposes.

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Credits: With thanks for footage to: Greg Boyd, Gordon Clee, Christopher Maurer, Michael Murray and Glen Nagle. Special thanks to: Bill, Nigel, Paul and the entire CDSCC team, and Borger Cranes. Music: So Long Ago – Composed by: Mark Taylor.

This video is for education and public outreach purposes only and no commercial arrangements have been made in its distribution.

CDSCC is managed on NASA’s behalf by CSIRO, Australia's national science agency.

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