description Goonhilly Downs Overview
Goonhilly Downs is a heathland area located on the Lizard peninsula in Cornwall, England. The site is characterized by its acidic soils and supports a variety of heathland vegetation, including heather and gorse, which provide habitat for specialized wildlife. It is most famous as the location of the Goonhilly Satellite Earth Station, which was established in 1962 to communicate with the Telstar satellite and relayed the first live transatlantic television broadcasts. The downs are designated as a Site of Special Scientific Interest due to their ecological value.
help Goonhilly Downs FAQ
Can you see the Goonhilly satellite dishes from the downs?
The large dishes are prominent landmarks across the open Lizard landscape, although the operational earth-station complex is not an ordinary public walking area. The surrounding downs provide views of antennas including the historic dish known as Arthur.
Why was the Goonhilly Earth Station built on this heathland?
The General Post Office selected Goonhilly for its low horizon, limited industrial interference, and firm serpentine bedrock. Arthur, the first major dish, was completed in 1962 to communicate through the Telstar satellite.
Is Goonhilly Downs protected for nature as well as space history?
Yes, much of Goonhilly Downs is designated as a Site of Special Scientific Interest. Its sparse heathland grows over the Lizard peninsula's distinctive serpentine geology.
What famous broadcasts passed through Goonhilly?
Goonhilly handled landmark satellite communications associated with events such as the Apollo 11 Moon landing and Live Aid. The site has operated as a center of satellite communication since 1962 and now also supports deep-space services.
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