Local Government
Chittering
Region
Avon Arc
There no heritage location found in the Google fusion table.
Location
Archibald St Muchea
Location Details
RAAF Target Range Achibald St West, opposite Payne St
Construction Date
Constructed from 1955
Demolition Year
1965Statutory Heritage Listings
| Type | Status | Date | Documents | More information |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| (no listings) |
Heritage Council Decisions and Deliberations
| Type | Status | Date | Documents |
|---|---|---|---|
| RHP - Does not warrant assessment | Current | 13 Sep 2019 |
Other Heritage Listings and Surveys
| Type | Status | Date | Grading/Management | More information | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Category | Description | ||||
| Municipal Inventory | Adopted | 19 Aug 1999 | category 5 |
category 5 |
|
Statement of Significance
The site is of international significance as the 'earth' contact point for the first 'man on the moon' in 1962.
Physical Description
Originally, there was a large control shed. Three diesel engines provided the power (Incl backups). Remains of control building, concrete blocks from the bunkers, used as a 'look out' post.
History
The tracking station was established as a satellite tracking and communication centre. The American Space Program selected the site and built their required communication facility. It provided employment in the area. A telephone line linked direct to the Perth exchange. John Glenn came and visited before his flight in space. When the USA space program put a 'man on the moon' in the first ever manned space flight, in 1960, this station was used to transmit the event to the world. John Glenn was the person who spoke from space to the whole world via Muchea. On 18 November 1962, Muchea people were invited to view the tracking station. The station was demolished a few years later as it had served its purpose.
Condition
Site
Associations
| Name | Type | Year From | Year To |
|---|---|---|---|
| American Space Program | Architect | - | - |
References
| Ref ID No | Ref Name | Ref Source | Ref Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| Udell H; "A History of Gingin 1830 to 1960". | Gingin Shire Counci | 1979 | |
| "Unpublished Research". | Muchea Historical Society |
State Heritage Office library entries
| Library Id | Title | Medium | Year Of Publication |
|---|---|---|---|
| 8309 | Muchea tracking station for Project Mercury. | Report | 0 |
Place Type
Other Built Type
Uses
| Epoch | General | Specific |
|---|---|---|
| Original Use | Transport\Communications | Comms: Other |
| Present Use | MILITARY | Other |
Historic Themes
| General | Specific |
|---|---|
| TRANSPORT & COMMUNICATIONS | Telecommunications |
Creation Date
04 Oct 1999Publish place record online (inHerit):
ApprovedLast Update
01 Jan 2017Disclaimer
This information is provided voluntarily as a public service. The information provided is made available in good faith and is derived from sources believed to be reliable and accurate. However, the information is provided solely on the basis that readers will be responsible for making their own assessment of the matters discussed herein and are advised to verify all relevant representations, statements and information.