Villafranca Station

Villafranca Station (also known as VILSPA[1]) is an ESTRACK satellite ground station in Spain, 30 kilometres (19 mi) north from the city of Madrid in a Villanueva de la Cañada, within the area of European Space Astronomy Centre.[2]

Station currently operates 15m S-band antenna marked VIL-1 capable of automatic tracking, ranging, frequency and timing measurements, monitoring, control and two-way communications. Additional facilities provide tracking, telemetry, telecommand and radiometric measurements.[2]

In 2014 VIL-1 was upgraded to use SARAS (Spanish acronym for Fast Acquisition of Satellites and Launchers) system allowing easier estimation of the beam direction increasing tracking precision and accuracy.[2]

In 2012 first antenna of the Villafranca Station, build in 1974 and designated VIL-1, was passed to the Cooperation through Education in Science and Astronomy Research project and currently is used as a radio telescope for educational purposes.[3]

References

  1. ↑ David Darling. "Villafranca Satellite Tracking Station (VILSPA)". The Worlds of David Darling. Retrieved 15 August 2014.
  2. 1 2 3 "Villafranca station". ESA. Retrieved 15 August 2014.
  3. ↑ "Five telescopes for educational purposes". ESA. 17 July 2012. Retrieved 15 August 2014.

External links

Coordinates: 40°26′33.23″N 3°57′5.70″W / 40.4425639°N 3.9515833°W / 40.4425639; -3.9515833

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