The radio telescopes at Tidbinbilla
are operated by the Canberra Deep Space Communication Complex, part of
NASA's Deep Space Network. As part of the Host Country agreeemnt with NASA,
a fraction of the time on the Tidbinbilla DSS43 70-m antenna is available
to the Australian astronomical community. Since January 2003, the Australia
Telescope National Facility has accepted applications for service observations
with the 70-m antenna.
The complex is located 40kms
southwest of Canberra City,further along the same road you would take to
Mt Stromlo (Tourist Route 5). In fact, Stromlo and Tidbinbilla would make
a fascinating day trip if you were visiting or living in the ACT. The Tidbinbilla
Complex is a major link in NASA's Deep Space Network. It has played a large
role in nearly all of NASA's lunar and planetary probes. The complex received
faint signals drom distant spacecraft as they make their historic flybys
of the planets. As one would expect, the Space centre concentrates on both
NASA's manned and robotic probes. The centre incorporates visual and audio
displays, interactives, models and images from Mars spacecraft. The
complex will be celebrating its 40th anniversary in March 2005 and a range
of events are planned. There is also the Moonrock Cafe which is well equipped
with souvenirs and light meals.
The Centre offers visitors the chance to learn about the role that Australia plays in the exploration of space. You can take in magnificent views of the largest antenna complex in the southern hemisphere, see a piece of the Moon that's over 3.8 billion years old, check out the latest images from Mars, spacecraft models, and real, flown space hardware. Discover the foods that astronauts eat on the space shuttle and space station, watch a movie on the history and future of space exploration, take a hands-on trip around the Solar System or across the galaxy, or just sit back and relax in the Moon Rock Café.
Entry to the centre is free - Open 7 days a week, 365 days a year between 9am and 5pm (6pm summer).
The café and giftshop is open 10am-5pm everyday for snacks and meals, plus the best coffee in the galaxy.
Hours: 9am - 5pm 7 days per week. (6pm daylight saving time).
Cost: The is no charge for the Space Centre.
Contact: (02) 6201 7880
Website: http://www.cdscc.nasa.gov