Spacecraft tracking capabilities by the UTas radio telescope network

The University of Tasmania operates five radio telescopes located in four locations across the Australian continent. These antennas are used in single-dish or interferometric mode for a number of astronomic and geodetic purposes. However, they are all capable of tracking Earth-orbit satellites and planetary probes. A number of experiments have been conducted in the recent years to demonstrate these tracking capabilities with satellites in Low-Earth orbit and deep space missions operated by international space agencies.

The radio telescopes provide high-gain down-link capability, but also the four sites combined can form an interferometric array that enables ultra-high precision tracking of the spacecraft orbits. This interdisciplinary technique provides a link between the needs of space agencies and industry, combined with the scientific interest of an academy institution as the University of Tasmania. Furthermore, the University of Tasmania in collaboration with the Australian Space Agency is installing a new dedicated ground tracking station to provide support to Australian-lead space enterprises.