Wildfire Forces Evacuation of NASA’s Deep Space Tracking Station in Spain

A fast-moving wildfire in central Spain has forced the evacuation of NASA’s Madrid Deep Space Communications Complex, temporarily suspending operations at one of the agency’s most important deep-space tracking stations.

The facility, located about 65 kilometres west of Madrid, is part of NASA’s Deep Space Network (DSN), which works alongside tracking stations in California and Australia to maintain continuous communication with more than 40 space missions, including the Artemis programme, the James Webb Space Telescope, and the Voyager spacecraft.

NASA confirmed that the site was evacuated due to the ongoing wildfires in the region, with flames and thick smoke reported near the antenna array. The agency said any potential damage will be assessed once conditions are safe. 

NASA Statement of Madrid DSN complex fire:

"The Madrid Deep Space Communications Complex (MDSCC), located in Robledo, Spain, about 37 miles (65 km) west of Central Madrid was evacuated on July 24, due to ongoing wildfires in the region. All personnel were safely evacuated. The… pic.twitter.com/bFaDmgvQpO

— NASA Watch (@NASAWatch) July 25, 2026

To avoid disruptions, NASA immediately transferred mission support to the Goldstone Deep Space Communications Complex in California, ensuring uninterrupted communication with spacecraft operating across the solar system.

"The safety and well-being of our personnel is our highest priority," NASA said, adding that it is closely monitoring the situation in coordination with local authorities and the US Embassy.

The wildfire also prompted the evacuation of the nearby Cebreros tracking station, operated by the European Space Agency (ESA), according to Spanish media reports.

Spanish authorities have ordered the evacuation of more than 19,000 residents from communities west of Madrid as firefighters battle multiple wildfires fueled by extreme heat and prolonged drought. More than 2,000 emergency personnel and 10 aircraft have been deployed to contain the blazes.

The temporary closure places additional pressure on NASA’s Deep Space Network, particularly as the agency is already operating with reduced capacity. The network’s 70-metre antenna in California has been offline since last year following a major mechanical accident that caused extensive damage and flooding. Repair work is expected to continue until 2028.

Despite the setback, NASA said current mission operations remain unaffected, with the remaining tracking stations continuing to support ongoing scientific and exploration missions.