Wildfire forces evacuation and temporary shutdown of NASA's Deep Space Network complex in Spain

Evacuation Due to Wildfire

The Madrid Deep Space Communications Complex, a facility within NASA's Deep Space Network, was evacuated on Friday due to a fast-moving wildfire in the region. The complex is located approximately 40 miles (65 kilometers) west of central Madrid. Photos and videos from the area showed flames and smoke plumes near the antenna array.

Impact on Operations

Operations at the Spanish tracking station were temporarily suspended following the evacuation. This complex is one of three global facilities that comprise NASA's Deep Space Network, which provides continuous communication with over 40 space missions, including Artemis, the James Webb Space Telescope, and the Voyager spacecraft.

Continuity of Service

To ensure uninterrupted support for spacecraft communications, NASA has transitioned mission operations to the Goldstone Deep Space Communications Complex in California. NASA officials are monitoring the situation in coordination with local authorities and the US Embassy. An assessment of potential damage will occur once it is safe to return to the site.

Deep Space Network Functionality

The Deep Space Network operates on a "follow the Sun" model, allowing control centers at its sites in Australia, California, and Spain to remotely manage the entire network during local daytime hours. Antennas at each location operate around the clock to maintain global coverage for deep space probes as Earth rotates.