Moon Antenna Supports Future STARS of Science

On 21 July, 44 years ago, the 26 metre dish antenna at the Honeysuckle Creek Tracking Station on the outskirts of Canberra received the first signals from the Moon and made it possible for the world to watch Neil Armstrong take his first steps on the lunar surface via television. This antenna was later relocated to the Canberra Deep Space Communication Complex and after a productive service was retired in November 2009. 

Thanks to a grant from the ACT Government’s Strategic Opportunities Fund, and a partnership between the Canberra Deep Space Communication Complex (CDSCC) , the ANU Advanced Instrumentation and Technology Centre (AITC)  and the ACT Education and Training Directorate , the antenna will once again be playing an important role by supporting Australian science, engineering and education.

The STAR Student Program will help engage students in science and engineering at secondary school and provide industry-focused training for undergraduate engineering and science students. 

“It is important that students see the relevance of what they are studying and connect with a future study and career path” said Dr Naomi Mathers, Industry Liaison Engineer, ANU AITC.

“We hope this program will help address the future skills shortage identified by our Chief Scientist and groups like Engineers Australia, and boost Australia’s competitiveness in the innovation sector. We need to inspire students to study Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) at secondary school for them to aspire to Science and Engineering courses at university.”

The existing control room building next to the antenna will be refurbished to create a mission control-style environment where students can access a pilot-program through NASA Goldstone Apple Valley Radio Telescope (GAVRT), and will later support hands-on programs for students and the public.

Speaking on the STARS Program, CDSCC Director, Dr Ed Kruzins said, “This program will celebrate Australia’s contribution to space science and engineering and help develop the skilled workforce we need to realise future opportunities”.

“In the future we hope to see this iconic Australian antenna dish active once again and contributing to new discoveries made by the next generation of space explorers”.

To find out more information on the STARS program contact Glen Nagle, CDSCC Education & Outreach Manager by email gnagle@cdscc.nasa.gov or phone (02) 6201 7838.