The iLAuNCH Trailblazer’s Mobile Mission Operations Centre (MOC) has taken space education directly to regional Queensland communities, inspiring more than 1,400 students and community members during the University of Southern Queensland’s 2026 Regional Tour.

Developed by the iLAuNCH Trailblazer in partnership with CSIRO, the Mobile Mission Operations Centre travelled to Roma, Chinchilla, Kingaroy and Dalby last week, delivering immersive, hands-on space experiences to students who may not otherwise have access to Australia’s growing space sector.

The tour formed part of the University of Southern Queensland’s annual Regional Tour, with the MOC serving as a centrepiece attraction, giving students the opportunity to step inside a realistic mission control environment and experience what it takes to plan, coordinate and operate space missions.

The Mobile Mission Operations Centre was created through the iLAuNCH Trailblazer to bridge the gap between research, industry and education, helping inspire the next generation of engineers, scientists, technologists and innovators while demonstrating the exciting careers emerging within Australia’s space industry. The capability is jointly delivered by iLAuNCH and CSIRO and is designed to travel anywhere in Australia, bringing world-class space experiences directly to communities.

Leading the space education component of the tour was iLAuNCH Director of Space Education and Acting Chief Technology Officer, Associate Professor Matthew Richardson.

Associate Professor Richardson said taking the Mobile Mission Operations Centre to regional communities was about ensuring every young Australian could see themselves in a future space career.

“Australia’s future space workforce won’t only come from our capital cities. Some of our greatest innovators will come from regional communities, and it’s important they have opportunities to experience space technologies firsthand.

“The Mobile Mission Operations Centre allows students to step into an authentic mission environment, collaborate as a team and see the breadth of careers available across the space sector. You can see the excitement when students realise these opportunities are within their reach.”

CSIRO Mobile Mission Operations Centre Project Lead, Craig Smith, said the experience gave students a unique glimpse into Australia’s growing space sector.

“For many students, it was their first opportunity to experience a realistic space mission environment and imagine themselves as part of Australia’s future space workforce.”

University of Southern Queensland Vice-Chancellor Professor Paul Mazerolle said the Mobile Mission Operations Centre was a highlight for students across the regional tour.

“The enthusiasm we saw from young people stepping inside the Mission Operations Centre was incredible,” Professor Mazerolle said.

“Experiences like these spark curiosity, inspire future careers and demonstrate the exciting opportunities that exist in science, technology, engineering and mathematics.”

The Mobile Mission Operations Centre recreates the environment of a professional space mission control facility, allowing students to participate in interactive simulations while learning about satellite operations, communications, engineering and problem solving.

Students inspired by the experience can continue their journey into the space sector through the University of Southern Queensland’s Space Technology major, which equips graduates with the technical knowledge and practical skills required to support Australia’s rapidly expanding space industry.

The regional tour aligns closely with iLAuNCH’s mission of building Australia’s sovereign space capability by strengthening the national pipeline of future talent through education, industry engagement and hands-on experiences.

The University of Southern Queensland’s Regional Tour provides schools across regional Queensland with opportunities to engage with university programs and future study pathways, with the addition of the Mobile Mission Operations Centre giving students a unique insight into Australia’s rapidly growing space sector.

The Mobile Mission Operations Centre will continue its journey across rural Queensland next month, with the iLAuNCH Trailblazer taking the capability to Longreach, Winton, Boulia and Charleville as part of National Science Week. The regional outreach tour will provide students and communities with the opportunity to experience Australia’s first transportable mission control facility firsthand, further extending access to space education and inspiring the next generation of Australia’s space workforce.

About Mission Operations Centre (MOC)

Developed by the iLAuNCH Trailblazer in partnership with CSIRO, the mobile Mission Operations Centre is Australia’s first transportable mission control facility. Designed for education, outreach and mission operations, it enables students, researchers, industry and communities to experience authentic space mission environments while supporting the development of Australia’s future space workforce.