A state-of-the-art mobile Mission Operations Centre (MOC) has been unveiled today at the International Astronautical Congress (IAC) in Sydney, marking a new era in how Australia will support space missions and engage communities across the nation.
Developed in partnership with Australia's national science agency, CSIRO, and the iLAuNCH Trailblazer, funded by the Australian Government Department of Education Trailblazer Universities Program, the facility represents a breakthrough in mobile infrastructure for Australia's space operations.
Purpose-built, the b-double trailer deploys into a fully operational mission control centre that can accommodate up to 30 mission operators, each supported by configurable multi-monitor stations and mission-status displays. Onboard, satellite, 4G, integrated radio and vibration-tolerant servers ensure connectivity, even in remote locations.
The mobile Mission Operations Centre is powered by a battery-backed solar system with generator fallback, enabling sustainable, off-grid operation across Australia's geographically dispersed launch sites.
"Australia's unique space landscape requires flexible, resilient infrastructure. The mobile Mission Operations Centre fills a critical gap, expanding Australia's sovereign space capabilities by enabling mission control and range support to be rapidly deployed wherever it's needed, from regional rocket ranges to urban STEM outreach events," said Dr Rob Hough, CSIRO Executive Director for Digital, National Facilities and Collections.
Beyond its immediate role supporting rocket launches, the MOC has been engineered for multi-purpose use:
- Near term: Range and launch support for Australia's growing space sector.
- Medium term: Stakeholder engagement, STEM outreach, and public demonstrations.
- Long term: A mobile classroom inspiring the next generation of students to pursue STEM pathways.
Featuring a space-themed livery and large-format outdoor screens, the mobile Mission Operations Centre doubles as a powerful educational platform. Between commercial missions, it can be transformed into a mobile outreach hub offering interactive activities such as mock rocket launches and simulated remote operations. By travelling directly to schools and communities, particularly in rural and regional Australia, the Mission Operations Centre delivers hands-on, curriculum-aligned STEM experiences that make space accessible to all.
"We know that 75% of future jobs will require STEM skills, yet participation in STEM subjects is declining – especially among women, First Nations students, and those in rural areas. The MOC offers a new way to bridge this gap by bringing world-class space infrastructure directly to communities, sparking curiosity and inspiring the workforce of tomorrow," said Professor Peter Schubel, Acting Executive Director of the iLAuNCH Trailblazer.
With a 20-year service life, the mobile Mission Operations Centre, operated by CSIRO in collaboration with iLAuNCH Trailblazer Universities program, is positioned to become a national asset driving mission success, building sovereign capability and inspiring the next generation of space professionals.
By the Numbers: Mobile Mission Operations Centre (MOC)
Modules and dimensions
- Module A: 11.8 m long × 4.3 m high × 5.9 m wide (open)
- Module B: 13.7 m long × 4.3 m high × 5.9 m wide (open)
- Fully deployed: 26 m long × 6.5 m wide
Operator capacity
- Up to 30 operators across two modules with configurable multi-monitor stations
Screens and displays
- Module A: 20 vertical 27-inch 4K screens + 6 overhead 43-inch 4K mission-status screens
- Module B: 40 vertical 27-inch 4K screens + 16 overhead 43-inch 4K mission-status screens
Weight
- Module A – 20 tonnes
- Module B – 30 tonnes
About iLAuNCH
The Innovative Launch, Automation, Novel Materials, Communications and Hypersonics (iLAuNCH) Trailblazer is part of the Trailblazer Universities Program administered by Australian Government Department of Education. iLAuNCH is led by the University of Southern Queensland in partnership with the Australian National University and the University of South Australia.
This program is building Australia's enduring space capability through the commercialisation of projects, a fast-track accelerator, and skills development to build the workforce of the future.
