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Wildfires Threaten NASA Space Network in Spain
26 Jul
Summary
- Spanish wildfires prompted NASA to evacuate its Madrid Deep Space Communications Complex.
- Initial inspections show minimal damage to the NASA facility, primarily to vegetation and pavement.
- ESA's nearby ground station also appears to have survived the wildfires without serious harm.
NASA's Madrid Deep Space Communications Complex (MDSCC) was evacuated on July 24, 2026, due to a significant wildfire in its vicinity. The facility, located near Robledo de Chavela, is a crucial part of NASA's Deep Space Network (DSN), supporting communication with spacecraft across the solar system. On July 25, 2026, an initial assessment indicated that the wildfire had primarily impacted pavement and surrounding vegetation, with no major structural damage to antennas or buildings. Operations were temporarily shifted to other DSN sites in California and Australia to ensure continuity. The European Space Agency (ESA) also evacuated its nearby ground station, which also appears to have avoided serious damage. Both agencies are conducting further assessments as conditions stabilize.
