Varley, a long-standing Opie Manufacturing Group client, led the overall construction, CSIRO independently approached Opie Group seeking a vibration-tolerant server rack system that could withstand the rigours of mobile operation. Drawing on Argent’s proven design platform, Opie’s engineers adapted and manufactured a customised rack solution purpose-built for the MOC’s demanding environment.

Behind the glowing monitors and redundant comms lies a quiet triumph of Australian collaboration — engineered for precision, performance, and reliability.⸻

A National Collaboration in Innovation

Developed under the iLAuNCH Trailblazer program in partnership with the University of Southern Queensland, the MOC was unveiled at IAC 2025 as a mobile control room that mirrors the sophistication of NASA’s mission control — but in a pair of B-double trailers.

Mark Dunn (CSIRO) described it best:

We can take this truck, set it up in 20 minutes, and be ready to go for any operation — launches, payload control, even emergency response.

Inside, up to 30 operators can monitor mission telemetry, propulsion, avionics, comms, and weather systems — all powered through redundant solar, battery, and generator systems.

⸻

Built on Opie’s Engineering Foundations

“At Opie Manufacturing Group, customisation is part of everything we do,”
said Humberto Mesa, Senior Design Engineer.

“For this project, we adapted one of our proven Argent rack platforms to meet CSIRO’s unique operational requirements. The result was a fully customised rack — built with shock-absorbing mounts for vehicle use and an enhanced pull-out rotation system for smoother handling. It’s a great example of how we tailor precision engineering to fit real-world applications.”

Within the MOC’s climate-controlled chassis, Argent racks, engineered and fabricated by Opie Manufacturing Group, hold the servers, networking, and power systems that bring the mission to life.

“These racks pull all the way out and spin, giving full access to the front and rear,” Dunn explained during the EEVblog tour. “ The systems are fully removable, so customers like Southern Launch can install their own systems.” Demonstrating the flexibility of the installed Argent racking to handle new server congurations on the fly.

That adaptability is a hallmark of Opie’s engineering — blending precision fabrication with user-centred functionality.

From Western Sydney to the Final Frontier

Opie Manufacturing Group’s production of Argent’s rack systems is part of a broader vision: to ensure Australian-made infrastructure supports Australian innovation.

Collaborating with Varley’s Brisbane team, Opie’s precision metalwork enabled the installation of robust, vibration-tolerant, and easily serviceable racks designed to meet aerospace-grade standards.

This same commitment to quality drives Opie’s broader portfolio — from industrial workbenches and storage systems to architectural stainless steel and defence-grade enclosures.

⸻

As Australia steps into a new era of space capability, Opie Manufacturing Group continues to prove that the foundation of innovation is precision manufacturing. Through its Argent division, Opie is proud to contribute to the engineering backbone of the CSIRO’s Mobile Mission Operations Centre — a project that brings together technology, education, and sovereign capability on wheels.

Made in Australia. Built for the world. Driven by OPIE Manufacturing Group.

Sources & References:

CSIRO — Australia unveils first mobile Mission Operations Centre for nationwide launch support (October 2025): www.csiro.au/news/2025/October/Australia-unveils-first-mobile-Mission-Operations-Centre-for-nationwide-launch-support

Varley Group — CSIRO’s Mission Operations Centre manufactured at Varley Brisbane: www.varleygroup.com/varley-news/csiros-mission-operations-centre-moc-manufactured-at-varley-brisbane

EEVblog — CSIRO Mobile Space Mission Control Centre (Video 1712, transcript excerpted for educational use): www.youtube.com/watch?v=rXQzavvMiVc

Server-rack systems supplied by Argent, a division of Opie Manufacturing Group. MOC constructed by Varley Group for CSIRO under the iLAuNCH Trailblazer Program.