Canberra Deep Space Communication Complex
Located a 40-minute drive from the centre of Canberra, ACT Australia, the Canberra Deep Space Communication Complex (CDSCC) is an important part of NASA’s tracking network. Construction at the site in the Tidbinbilla Valley commenced in June 1963 and operations started in December 1964. Chosen due to it’s proximity to Canberra Tidbinbilla’s surrounding valley walls also shield it from stray radio signals.
Since it’s early beginnings, CDSCC has been integral to the success of the moon landings and space probes sent to the outer planets. As these probes travelled further from Earth, antennae have been upgraded and additional ones of greater diameter and therefore able to receive weaker signals added.
How to Get There
Driving is the only real option to get here, as there is no public transport. The complex has a large car park outside the front gate.
What to See
During our visit (February 2024) the visitor centre was closed so access into the site was unavailable. Despite this, the information board around the car park gave a great history of the CDSCC. Relocated near the entrance, several decommissioned tracking dishes are impressive because of their size. These dished are visible from the access road as you drive in.
What Did We Think?
The setting of the huge dishes in the Australian bush is impressive and a great sight to see. Had the Visitor Centre been open the visit would have been better, but was interesting and education nonetheless. A great place to drop into, especially if you have visited Mount Stromlo or are on your way to the Tidbinbilla Nature Reserve.
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