Australian-owned ground station operator plans major power infrastructure upgrade

Capricorn Space, an Australian-owned and operated ground segment provider, is preparing the next phase of growth at its Australian Ground Network West (AGN-W) site near Mingenew. Demand from Australian and international clients has brought the number of operational antennas on site to 20, with more expected to be operational before the end of 2026. To support this expanding client base, Capricorn Space is preparing to double its footprint at AGN-W by developing Lot 2, a second parcel of almost 6 hectares (14 acres), and to significantly increase its site-wide power generation and distribution network. The expansion has been designed to support continued strong growth in conventional single-antenna services, as well as next-generation phased arrays, gigabit optical services and on-site data processing. AGN-W serves satellite operators and ground segment service providers through three service models. Landlord clients install and operate their own antennas on site. Hybrid clients pair their own specialist equipment with Capricorn Space antennas, and Retail clients book scheduled satellite passes on Capricorn Space antennas and modems. Several clients now operate multiple antennas at AGN-W. AGN-W also supports Australian and international organisations developing new technologies, including capabilities for national and regional security. The site sits within the Mingenew Earth Station Protection Zone, where the Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) has restricted new terrestrial radio services, such as microwave links, since 2009 to protect satellite ground stations from interference. Clear skies and flat horizon-to-horizon visibility make it well suited to tracking low Earth orbit (LEO) satellites, and it is well placed to receive data from polar and sun-synchronous satellites shortly after they pass over South-East Asia and the Indian Ocean. The Australian Government’s Statement on Space, released in July 2026, identifies ground segment platforms that support sovereign control of data as a key opportunity for Australian industry. “Clients coming back to install a second and third antenna is the clearest endorsement a ground station can get,” said Mark Thompson AM, Chief Executive Officer and Chief Engineer of Capricorn Space. “Our current expansion plans mean we can keep saying yes to them. More of the data that matters to Australia and our region should land on Australian soil, at Australian-owned infrastructure, and that is what we are building.” For Editorial Inquiries Contact: Editor Kym Bergmann at [email protected] For Advertising Inquiries Contact: Group Sales Director Simon Hadfield at [email protected]