Robledo de Chavela facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Robledo de Chavela
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| Country | Spain | ||
| Autonomous community | Madrid | ||
| Area | |||
| • Total | 93.01 km2 (35.91 sq mi) | ||
| Elevation | 901 m (2,956 ft) | ||
| Population
(2018)
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| • Total | 4,159 | ||
| • Density | 44.716/km2 (115.813/sq mi) | ||
| Time zone | UTC+1 (CET) | ||
| • Summer (DST) | UTC+2 (CEST) | ||
| Website | www.robledodechavela.es | ||
Robledo de Chavela is a small town in Spain. It is located in the Community of Madrid. In 2022, about 4,587 people lived there. This town is famous for something very special: it hosts a big space communication center!
Contents
Where is Robledo de Chavela?
Robledo de Chavela is found in the western part of the Community of Madrid. It is about 63 kilometers (39 miles) from the center of Madrid, the capital city of Spain. The town is surrounded by beautiful natural areas. It sits at an elevation of 901 meters (2,956 feet) above sea level.
Natural Surroundings
The area around Robledo de Chavela is very green. It has many forests and hills. These natural spaces are home to different kinds of plants and animals. People enjoy hiking and being outdoors here. The landscape is typical of the Sierra de Guadarrama mountains.
The Madrid Deep Space Communication Complex
One of the most important things in Robledo de Chavela is the Madrid Deep Space Communication Complex (MDSCC). This is a huge space station! It is part of NASA's Deep Space Network. The network helps scientists talk to spacecraft far away in space.
What Does the Space Complex Do?
The MDSCC has giant antennas. These antennas send and receive signals from spacecraft. These spacecraft are exploring our Solar System. They might be orbiting Mars, flying past Jupiter, or even leaving the Solar System. The complex helps us learn about other planets. It also helps us understand the universe better.
How Does it Work?
The antennas are like giant ears and mouths for talking to space. They can pick up very faint signals from millions of miles away. They can also send strong signals to guide spacecraft. Scientists use these signals to get pictures and data. This data tells us about space missions.
Global Network
The Madrid Deep Space Communication Complex is not the only one. There are two other similar stations. One is near Barstow, California in the United States. The other is near Canberra in Australia. These three stations are placed around the world. This way, at least one station can always "see" a spacecraft as Earth spins. This allows for constant communication with missions.
History of Robledo de Chavela
The town of Robledo de Chavela has a long history. Its name comes from the word "robledo," which means "oak grove." This shows that the area has always had many oak trees. The town has grown over many centuries. It started as a small farming community.
Local Life and Culture
Life in Robledo de Chavela is peaceful. It mixes traditional Spanish village life with modern influences. The town has local festivals and traditions. These events often celebrate its history and culture. People enjoy the quiet atmosphere and the beautiful scenery.
See also
In Spanish: Robledo de Chavela para niños
