Drone Rules for MDSCC, Madrid Deep Space Communications Complex

The Complejo de Comunicaciones con el Espacio Profundo de Madrid is a vital scientific installation managed by the Instituto Nacional de Técnica Aeroespacial (INTA) in collaboration with NASA. It hosts massive antennas crucial for deep space communication and radio astronomy, necessitating absolute airspace and ground control in its vicinity.

Key Requirements & Restrictions

• Restrictions: The area immediately surrounding the Complejo de Comunicaciones con el Espacio Profundo de Madrid is designated as a permanent Critical Infrastructure Protected Area (Zona Prohibida/Restringida por Infraestructura Crítica) as reflected on the ENAIRE Drones Map. Drone operations within this zone are strictly prohibited from 0m AGL without explicit and specific authorization from INTA/NASA. Real Decreto 517/2024 establishes general UAS regulations, but the inherent dangers and national security implications of an active deep space communication complex mean these specific restrictions take absolute precedence. Additionally, this facility is located within the broader Controlled Airspace (CTR/TMA) of Madrid, requiring explicit air traffic control authorization from ENAIRE for any operations in the surrounding controlled airspace, though the critical infrastructure restriction will generally prohibit drone flight directly over the complex.
• Permission Steps: Any attempt to operate a drone must involve direct and prior coordination with the management of the Complejo de Comunicaciones con el Espacio Profundo de Madrid (INTA/NASA). Obtaining such permission for civilian drone operations is extremely unlikely given the sensitive nature of the area and the operational risks. ENAIRE's Drones Map will clearly indicate these permanent restrictions.
• Requirements: Property access permission from INTA/NASA authorities is mandatory. Local ground-use permits from the Ayuntamiento de Robledo de Chavela are secondary to the primary authorization from the facility's management.
• Important Notes: This area is a critical component of international scientific research and space exploration. Unauthorized drone activity poses extreme safety risks to both the drone and the highly sensitive scientific equipment, constitutes a severe national security breach, and is subject to grave legal penalties. The facility operates with extremely powerful radio transmissions and receives incredibly weak signals; any local radio frequency (RF) interference from drones can cause significant disruption.
• Physical Hazards: Severe electromagnetic interference from high-power radio transmissions (for deep space communication) and highly sensitive reception equipment, which can cause immediate loss of control, navigation errors, or damage to drone electronics; physical collision risk with massive, moving antenna structures; security protocols for a critical national and international scientific facility; presence of specialized personnel and sensitive equipment.

Sources & Verification

• ENAIRE Drones Map (Aeronautical Servitudes Registry - specific Critical Infrastructure Protected Areas).
• Instituto Nacional de Técnica Aeroespacial (INTA) official guidelines.
• NASA Deep Space Network official information (Madrid DSN Complex).
• Real Decreto 517/2024 (General UAS/RPAS regulations in Spain).
• Ayuntamiento de Robledo de Chavela local regulations.