NASA Space Tracking Station, Carnarvon
In the early 1960’s NASA (National Aeronautics and Space Administration of America) sought communication facilities in Australia to support both the tracking of scientific satellites and the next generation of manned space flights, the Gemini and Apollo missions.
After an extensive search in July 1962, it chose a site on Brown Range just outside Carnarvon. The location was a logical choice. The launch flight passed over the Carnarvon area and Australia was a politically stable country.
The NASA Space Tracking Station Carnarvon was closed in 1975 and has now been fully decommissioned and the site restored. The Carnarvon Space & Technology Museum has been opened on the adjacent closed but not decommissioned OTC Satellite-Earth Communications Station. More detail on the Museum is available at https://www.carnarvonmuseum.org.au/.
Engineering Heritage Recognition Program
| Marker Type | Engineering Heritage International Marker (EHIM) |
| Award Date | 23 June 2012 |
| Heritage Significance | NASA Carnarvon provided critical support for the Manned Spaceflight Network (MSFN) missions of Gemini and Apollo which led to men walking on the moon in missions between July 1969 and December 1972, followed by the Skylab missions. |
| Nomination Document | Available here. |
| Ceremony Booklet Ceremony Report |
Ceremony Booklet available here. Ceremony Report available here. |
| Plaque/Interpretation Panel | Available here. |
