Frequently Asked Questions

Does Capricorn Space operate other sites in Australia?

Capricorn Space will have a site in eastern Australia by late 2025. Please contact us for more information.

Which frequency bands are supported by Capricorn Space’s antennas?

Capricorn Space owns and operates two 5 metre tracking antennas which operate at S-Band (2025 – 2100 MHz uplink, 2200 – 2300 MHz downlink) and X-Band (8025 – 8400 MHz downlink).

What is the spectrum licencing process at Capricorn Space’s site in Western Australia?

Capricorn Space handles all licence applications on behalf of its clients and licences generally take less than 2 weeks to be Granted by the Australian Regulator, Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) – assuming client’s target satellite is properly registered with ITU. Check our expanding list of licences.

Our site is located within an Earth Station Protection Zone (ESPZ) meaning there is no background interference from terrestrial microwave links within the allocated satellite frequency bands of operation. No other region in Australia has this same level of protection and ease of obtaining licences! Read more: capricornspace.com.au/embargo49

How do I make bookings on Capricorn Space’s antennas?

Retail and Hybrid clients will need to access our Scheduler to book airtime on our antennas. Capricorn Space will work with you to develop and test your Booking API (Application Programming Interface) against our Test Scheduler and when approved will transition you to our Production Scheduler.

What other support services does Capricorn Space provide at its site in Western Australia?

CCTV is available for both outdoor antenna(s) and indoor equipment rack(s)
Weather Data (temperature, humidity, wind speed & direction, rain/no-rain) is available in real-time
Antenna Metrics of Capricorn Space antennas is available in real-time for Retail and Hybrid client bookings (commanded antenna position, actual antenna position, velocity, equipment status)
Storage, both Indoor and Outdoor, is available for clients wanting to place spare parts and equipment on-site

I am interested in placing an antenna at your Capricorn Space site but who would perform the antenna civil works?

Capricorn Space engages with Landlord clients to perform all civil work activities. Simply ship your antenna to our site in Australia where your concrete pad will be ready and waiting.

Activities include collating client drawings, reviewing by local Civil Engineer, issuing of construction drawings, obtaining approvals from local council, formwork and construction of antenna pad (per Civil Engineer’s design), provisioning of mains power, installing a fiber for connection to public internet, and grounding of pad (and antenna) to our site wide equi-potential earthing grid.

What is the recommended workload approach for installing antennas at the Capricorn Space site?

Based on experience, we recommend a combination of Client engagement with Capricorn Space support. A Client team of 2 – 3 people performs specialist installation and commissioning activities with Capricorn Space providing around 20 hours of Level 1 support to attend to essential background tasks. This greatly assists to minimise total installation time and provides clients with access to Capricorn Space equipment (tools, machinery and operators) and, importantly, ensures all work is performed to Australian Safety Standards.

A Client Site Office is available for clients’ exclusive usage – free of charge. Office measures 6 m x 4 m, is air-conditioned and equipped with tables, chairs, WiFi, 55 inch display and a kitchenette.

What does ‘reliable and clean power’ mean at Capricorn Space’s site in Western Australia?

Capricorn Space generates all its power on-site and is not affected by outages that occasionally occur on the local power network. Primary power is generated using solar PV panels with a Battery Energy Storage System (BESS). Back-up power is available from two independent high-capability diesel generators. Power is distributed across the site via two independent high-capacity Uninterruptible Power Supplies (UPSs) – ensuring clients receive continuous and clean power 24/7.

What is the terrain profile at Capricorn Space’s site in Western Australia?

The Australian Ground Network – West (AGN-W) site is located in an open wheat field and possesses a horizon visibility that is unsurpassed in the industry, with a maximum rise of just 0.5 degrees.

Clients can track their satellites horizon-to-horizon.

Could Capricorn Space’s infrastructure be used to support services other than satellite?

Absolutely. Our infrastructure in remote Western Australia presents the ideal opportunity for testing and advancing concepts and capabilities under real-world environmental conditions (temperature, humidity, etc) using wide open spaces. Alternatively you may simply wish to test your new sensor or device away from city regions and the prying-eyes of a potential competitor!

Which orbits and frequency bands are supported at Capricorn Space’s site in Western Australia?

The Australian Ground Network – West (AGN-W) site is orbit agnostic and can be used to support all orbits (LEO, MEO, GEO and CisLunar) as well as all frequency bands. We provide the infrastructure so you can service whichever satellite mission you require.

The AGN-W is also capable of supporting a wide range of antenna sizes from small Yagis to very large 30 metre antennas.

How do I obtain further technical information about the services and support offered by Capricorn Space?

Contact Capricorn Space for a copy of our AGN-W Site Interface Control Document (ICD): info@capricornspace.com.au.