The Systems Engineering Division (SED) of Calian has been given an authorization to provision a 35-metre deep space antenna and RF system in South America — it is expected that the resolution of final details and contract signing for an estimated total value of $39 million will be achieved before the end of the 2009 fiscal year.

ESA operates and maintains a network of ground stations in support of satellite operations. The network is being augmented by adding deep space antenna systems to support the ongoing missions such as Rosetta, Mars Express, Venus Express, Herschel, Planck, the planned Bepi Colombo, LisaPathfinder and Gaia missions, as well as the ESA cosmic vision and Mars exploration program. Under previous contracts with ESA, SED provided two similar large antenna systems in New Norcia (Western Australia) and Cebreros (Spain). This announcement is for a third antenna system that SED will develop over a 36-month period, completing the installation in South America in 2012. The system will enable X-band transmit and receive capability, with the possibility of future upgrades to other bands. At 35 meters in diameter and with full-motion capability, the antenna will be one of the largest in the world used for deep space communications. As prime contractor, SED will bring together the skills and equipment from subcontractors and suppliers from many European countries. SED's key subcontractors for the project include Vertex Antennentechnik from Duisburg (Germany) for the antenna structure and Esteyco SA from Madrid (Spain) as the contractor for the civil works. SED's customer for this project is ESA's European Space Operations Centre based in Darmstadt (Germany).