Space centre playing key role in NASA moon mission

A SPACE centre in Cornwall has been playing a pivotal role in the world's first manned moon mission in more than half a century.

- HERALD REPORTER

Goonhilly Earth Station in Cornwall

(GREG MARTIN)

Goonhilly Earth Station, near Helston, has helped track NASA's Artemis II using its largest antenna, known as Merlin.

The crew of the Artemis II mission have started the journey home, after creating history on their pass behind the Moon. The four astronauts reached 252,756 miles (406,771 kilometres) from Earth. Staff at the satellite company believe tracking the spacecraft continues to demonstrate the UK's - and Cornwall's - capability to support deep-space missions from British soil.