Cutting-edge deep space radar
After being decommissioned in 1987, the dish has been brought back to life through a long‑term investment by Canadian aerospace company ThothX, which has leased the site for 20 years and committed to its refurbishment.
ThothX’s goal is to transform the facility into a cutting-edge deep‑space radar system capable of monitoring satellites and spacecraft up to 50,000 kilometres away, providing commercially valuable situational awareness for the rapidly growing global space industry.
This project positions Western Australia to tap into high‑value global markets in satellite tracking, defence space monitoring, and lunar mission communications. The state is already home to multiple tracking facilities, and the reactivation of Carnarvon’s dish adds a unique geostationary‑orbit capability that strengthens Western Australia’s competitive edge.
The Gascoyne Development Commission (GDC) has played an important enabling role in the early phase. Through targeted funding and local support, GDC helped initiate essential works at the site, including a $50,000 RED Grant for refurbishment planning, which supported the technical groundwork required for ThothX to progress feasibility testing and activate the site.
GDC continues to promote the broader economic opportunity for Carnarvon, advocating for investment pathways, workforce development, and strategic partnerships that attract new industry into the region.
By supporting projects like ThothX, GDC is helping position the Gascoyne as a leader in Australia’s emerging space economy, blending heritage, innovation, and global opportunity into a new frontier for regional development.
Key Statistics
Commitment from ThothX to refurbish OTC dish
Height of OTC Dish
The dish will be capable of tracking once operational
RED Grant recipient
OTC Dish was decommissioned
