Wildfire Threatens NASA Madrid Space Complex, Evacuation Ordered

A wildfire raging through the Sierra Oeste of Madrid forced the evacuation of the Madrid Deep Space Communications Complex (MDSCC) in Robledo de Chavela, a critical NASA facility for interplanetary communications. The evacuation occurred on July 24, with over 90 employees ordered to leave Source: infobae; elnacionalve. Early reports described the situation as "critical," with flames reportedly reaching the base of the antennas Source: abces; elconfidencial. However, by July 26, NASA confirmed that an initial inspection found no structural damage to the antennas or buildings, only damage to pavement and surrounding vegetation Source: infobae. The agency transferred mission support to its other Deep Space Network stations in Goldstone, California, and Canberra, Australia, ensuring uninterrupted operations Source: infobae.

Evacuation and Immediate Response

• The evacuation began in the morning and was completed by 5:00 PM, with only security personnel remaining Source: lavanguardia.
• The facility manager, Raúl Alonso, stated that the fire was "prácticamente dentro" and that communication with some systems was temporarily lost Source: abces.
• Spanish government delegate Francisco Martín said emergency services were "haciendo lo imposible" to protect the installation Source: elconfidencial; diariolibree.

Aftermath and Damage Assessment