Honeysuckle Creek Tracking Station received signals from Apollo 11 as Neil Armstrong took his first steps on the lunar surface, and sent them to Houston, USA.It was established by NASA for the Apollo missions, and played a critical role in tracking the manned missions.
It is a role often confused with the better-known Parkes Observatory, and the two have had a long-running friendly dispute over their role in the event.
The Honeysuckle site now consists of slabs of concrete, with signage installed to remind visitors of its history.
The ACT Heritage Council yesterday [Feb. 11] decided to grant Honeysuckle, and the site of the Orroral Valley Tracking Station heritage status, hoping to lift their profile and ensure the sites are not damaged further.
Above: The Honeysuckle Creek Tracking Station, pictured circa 1970, before it was later abandoned and then demolished. CREDIT: Hamish Lindsay