DomeShelter Australia supplies a custom-engineered DomeShelter™ Solution to support critical radar infrastructure at the Exmouth site of the trilateral Deep Space Advanced Radar Capability program (DARC).
The Augusta Program is a significant defence infrastructure project located near Exmouth, Western Australia, forming part of the broader Deep Space Advanced Radar Capability (DARC) initiative (a trilateral space surveillance program led by the United States, United Kingdom, and Australia).
DomeShelter Australia was engaged by Georgiou to supply a custom-engineered super-rise shelter to protect critical equipment on site — specifically, the parabolic antennas while they were being constructed and tested before, they were commissioned and introduced into the extensive DARC infrastructure.
The Challenge
The site falls within Wind Region D, as defined by Australian Standards, and is exposed to cyclonic wind loads, high UV radiation, extreme heat, and corrosive coastal conditions.
The sShelter was required to meet strict structural and environmental performance criteria to ensure durability, compliance, and continued adaptability in this remote and demanding location.
The DomeShelter™ Solution
Shelter Specifications:
- Dimensions: 23m wide x 50m long x 12m high
- Purpose-built to house a 15.6m diameter parabolic antenna system and accommodate its testing equipment
- Ground-mounted TRUSS frame constructed from hot-dip galvanised steel for structural strength and corrosion resistance
- Clad in Armourtex® 400gsm white tear-stop fabric, offering durability, UV protection, and weather resistance
- Designed to withstand harsh conditions in Wind Region D, including cyclonic wind loads
- Engineered in accordance with AS1170.2-2021 standards
- Backed by a 10-year warranty and 25-year design life.
Key Inclusions:
- Full component kit with:
- Stainless steel ratchet tensioners
- Footing-to-shelter connection system
- Step-by-step installation instructions
- Securely packed in heavy-duty stillages/crates for safe, efficient transport to remote site
- Site-specific engineering certification, including:
- General Arrangement Drawings (GA) for review and approval
- Calculated structural reactions and hold-down requirements
- Structural drafting and signed engineering plans
Concept Drawings
Outcomes
Construction of the Exmouth site commenced in October 2023 and was completed in December 2024, three months ahead of schedule — a result made possible by the strong collaboration between all stakeholders, and the speed of design and delivery of the DomeShelter™ Solution.
This project highlights DomeShelter Australia’s ability to respond to complex, high-stakes infrastructure requirements with agile engineering and robust manufacturing handled in-house. DomeShelter Australia delivered a solution that upheld the operational integrity of a globally significant defence initiative.
If your project demands custom-engineered protection for sensitive equipment in remote or high-risk environments, talk to our team today.
