Operating NASA’s Canberra Deep Space Communication Complex (CDSCC), the CSIRO aided in providing constant check-ins and communication capabilities throughout the nine-day mission.
Murriyang, the CSIRO’s radio telescope in Parkes, was utilised as a key ground station network throughout the mission and was instrumental in delivering additional tracking and data transmission capabilities.
“Murriyang passively tracked Artemis II as part of Intuitive Machines’ ground station network, demonstrating the network’s capabilities for future missions,” CSIRO astronomer John Sarkissian said.
“Artemis II was the first crewed mission Murriyang has supported since Apollo 17, 54 years ago, which was very exciting.”
The CSIRO Mobile Mission Operations Centre was another platform established to support the Artemis II mission, working directly next to the satellites to support remote mission operations.
The centre is operable from anywhere in Australia, as it can be driven out and set up within hours, rapidly supporting mission capabilities where additional efforts are required.
“Seeing astronauts fly past the Moon again is incredible, but it’s just as exciting to see our mobile mission operations centre step up and support its first full mission,” CSIRO engineer Craig James said.
“Being able to position the mobile mission operations centre directly beside the ground station has simplified team and technology co-ordination, and its quiet, comfortable interior provides the team with a focused workspace away from the noise of servers and laser equipment.”
The CDSCC (and Australia’s wider involvement with NASA) is centred on the Deep Space Network, which is responsible for communication with spacecraft beyond low-Earth orbit.
Low-Earth orbit, where most satellites and the International Space Station operate, requires different communications methods, which is why collective efforts like the Deep Space Network are needed to ensure missions are conducted safely and effectively.
Once a spacecraft goes beyond low-Earth orbit, it enters what is known as deep space. These include missions to the moon, planets, and deeper uncrewed exploration into the solar system.
These efforts require more powerful communication systems, precise navigation, and greater autonomy because they are much farther from Earth, where traditional space communication methods become obsolete.
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