Copernical Team
Estrack - Half a century of European satellite tracking
Video:
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2025 marks a landmark year for Europe’s ‘bridge between Earth and space’. The European Space Agency’s Estrack satellite tracking network turns 50.
Since its inception in 1975, Estrack – ESA’s global network of ground stations – has formed the vital communication bridge between satellites in orbit and mission control at the European Space Operations Centre (ESOC) in Darmstadt, Germany.
Now comprising six stations spanning six countries, Estrack has grown into a strategic asset for Europe, enabling communication with spacecraft, transmitting commands and receiving scientific data.
The network keeps an eye on satellites no matter their location:
Starship megarocket blows up over Indian Ocean in latest bumpy test
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ESA and UN harness space data for sustainable development
ESA and UN harness space data for sustainable development