Goonhilly satellite centre to receive financial boost

A former Satellite Earth Station at Goonhilly, Cornwall is set to receive a £7 million boost from the government in order to allow deep space communication and radio astronomy from the site.

Constructed to collect the first transatlantic television signals from Telstar almost 50 years ago, the former BT site is to undergo a transformation, with Earth Station Limited (GES) announcing plans to upgrade Goonhilly’s massive antennas.

The funding for the space science centre will ‘accelerate our ambitions and create hi-tech jobs, which will be significant knock-on benefits to Cornwall and the UK’ according to Ian Jones, chief executive of Earth Station Limited.

The money could feasibly allow communications from missions to Mars and beyond, and will add to what is already a popular landmark for tourists.

Located on the beautiful Lizard peninsula, a huge Grade-II listed structure nicknamed Arthur marks the centre out. The massive satellite dish is surrounded by some stunning scenery, so why not take a look for yourself and book a Cornwall holiday park, a perfect way to enjoy a family vacation.