The 97 foot antenna

In 1969, a second and larger antenna was completed. This was built by Mitsubishi using prefabricated steel sections from the Newcastle Steelworks in New South Wales. The antenna had a diameter of 97 feet (almost 30 metres).

It took over the job of the original 42 foot antenna in relaying NASA communications via the Pacific Ocean Intelsat III satellite.

This station had sufficient capacity to allow its use for Australian commercial traffic as well meeting its NASA commitments.

These photos of the construction of the 97 foot antenna come from Jim Harte and Graham Watts –

The OTC Carnarvon 97 foot antenna under construction. Photo: Jim Harte.

The OTC Carnarvon 97 foot antenna under construction. Photo: Graham Watts.

The OTC Carnarvon 97 foot antenna under construction with the original 42 foot casshorn at left. Photo: Graham Watts.

The OTC Carnarvon 97 foot antenna by night. Photo: Jim Harte.

The OTC Carnarvon 97 foot antenna seen from beneath the 42 foot cassegrain horn. Photo: Jim Harte.