Mobile Mission Operations Centre provides space mission support

A state-of-the-art mobile Mission Operations Centre (MOC) was unveiled last week at the International Astronautical Congress in Sydney, marking a new era in how Australia will support space missions and engage communities across the nation. Operated by CSIRO in collaboration with the iLAuNCH Trailblazer program, the facility is said to represent a breakthrough in mobile infrastructure for Australia’s space operations.

The purpose-built, 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 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,” said Dr Rob Hough, CSIRO Executive Director for Digital, National Facilities and Collections. “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.”

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 will deliver 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,” said Professor Peter Schubel, Acting Executive Director of the iLAuNCH Trailblazer. “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.”

Images courtesy CSIRO.