Santa Maria, Azores, Portugal

ESA - Santa Maria station

Date Built:

January 2008

Type

Communication

Purpose

The ESA Santa Maria Station, located on the Canary Island of La Palma 5 km from Vila do Porto, approximately 1500 km from Lisbon, holds a significant position as one of the pioneering Estrack stations equipped with launcher tracking capabilities. This facility plays a crucial role in supporting the European Space Agency's launch operations by providing real-time tracking and telemetry during rocket launches. Its advanced tracking systems ensure that data is accurately captured and relayed, supporting the successful execution of launches originating from ESA’s spaceport in Kourou, French Guiana. In addition to its primary function of launcher tracking, the Santa Maria Station is instrumental in monitoring and analyzing spacecraft during their initial ascent and orbit insertion phases. By offering precise telemetry data and maintaining continuous communication with the launched vehicles, the station aids in mission validation and troubleshooting. This support is essential for ensuring that launches proceed smoothly and that any anomalies can be promptly addressed, contributing to the overall success of ESA's space missions.

Size Of Land

5.5 hectares

Site Owners

European Space Agency

Site Operators

Thales EDISOFT Portugal

Other Facilities

Telecommunications equipment, a no-break power system, lightning protection and support infrastructure.

Affiliated Organizations

Estrack station in Kourou, the Ariane naval station (SNA - Station Navale Ariane; a station located on a ship in the Atlantic Ocean, between Kourou and the Azores), Australia's Adelaide station (University of South Australia), a mobile station installed at Awarua, New Zealand, and the Dongara station, Australia.

References