Thales targets future moon mission work from Santa Maria

Thales Portugal is seeking to position its Santa Maria antenna in the Azores for future lunar mission support, in a move that could widen Portugal’s role in the space communications market beyond its current work for European rocket launches and satellite services. The company told ECO that the site is in negotiations with a private medium- and deep-space network to use its 15-metre antenna for transmitting and receiving data linked to the Moon Gateway project.

The Monte das Flores facility already supports European Space Agency launch missions, including Ariane flights from French Guiana, and carries out satellite-based maritime surveillance work for the European Maritime Safety Agency. According to Miguel Boavida, head of Space & Ground Segments at Thales Portugal, the large antenna was prepared not only for Earth observation but also for lunar missions. “Our goal is to place Portugal and this antenna in communications with the Moon,” he said, adding that he hopes to conclude the negotiations this year, although no date has been set.

The 15-metre antenna became operational in 2019 after being transferred from Perth, Australia. Boavida said Portugal’s Foundation for Science and Technology bought the antenna from ESA for one euro, after which Thales and public partners funded its dismantling, transport, refurbishment and installation in Santa Maria. Support buildings were also constructed nearby with co-investment of about €1.5 million from the Azores regional government, according to the company.

Thales said the faciiuty, which began with ESA-related work in 2006-2007, now serves 15 clients and combines institutional space activity with private-sector business. Alongside launch tracking, the site hosts Galileo infrastructure, Earth observation services and other commercial antennas. The company also plans to seek ESA qualification for the 15-metre antenna so it can support the agency’s own missions in future.

Originally published at Eco.pt