With the rise in deep-space missions, more international requests, and increasingly intense data streams, the demand for deep-space ground stations has never been higher. Yet, the system is nearing full capacity. To alleviate the load on its three deep-space antennas within the global ground station network (Estrack), the European Space Agency (ESA) has initiated a comprehensive upgrade program, incorporating novel cryogenic technology.

In July, ESA completed the cryogenic upgrades on its Argentina-based Malargüe antenna. This enhancement enables the station to download up to 80% more scientific data from its increasingly complex missions, with capacity boosts of up to 60% for deep-space endeavors like Juice and BepiColombo.This upgrade will ease operational capacity demands for ESA missions over the coming years and provide new capabilities for future explorations.

How does it work?
When receiving and decoding signals, antennas are often affected by background interference—or thermal noise—that limits their sensitivity and data transfer rate. A key method for reducing this noise is cryo-cooling the link between the physical antenna and the station's electronic signal transmitter and receiver, known as the "antenna feed."

"Increasing the signal-to-noise ratio is critical when designing, upgrading, and operating antennas," explains Stéphane Halté, ESA ground station project manager. "By cooling the system to 10 Kelvin (-263°C) instead of room temperature, we can minimize noise and boost the antenna's capacity by 60 to 80%."

The upgraded cryocooled feeds feature a new generation of ultra-low-noise cryogenic amplifiers (LNAs), developed in partnership with universities such as ETH Zurich (Switzerland) and Chalmers University of Technology (Sweden). These LNAs are now commercialized by spin-off companies like LNF and Diramics.

The same technology is also advancing quantum computing, illustrating how ESA’s technology development supports the broader scientific community and enhances the competitiveness of European companies.

The Ka-band cryocooled feed was funded through the ESA Technology Development Element program, with the first prototype manufactured and tested by Callisto Space (France). The operational units were produced by Callisto, and their integration into ESA's deep-space stations was managed by the Canadian company Calian.

Malargüe is the second antenna upgraded with cryocooled feeds, following the Cerebros upgrade in 2023. This cryogenic technology is now a standard for ESA ground stations and will feature in new antennas like the upcoming New Norcia 3.

Source: Provided by the European Space Agency and Phys.org

A snowy day at ESA's deep space tracking station in Malargüe, Argentina. Credit: ESA / Filippo Concaro