Robert Brand worked at the Moree OTC facility in 1971 and recounts how the communications satellite station was part of an International Telecommunications Union which allowed more than 800 million people world-wide to watch live international television including the Apollo 11 mission and man’s first steps on the moon. 

This event, as well as voice, data and telemetry transmissions were all relayed via the OTC stations in Moree and Carnarvon in Western Australia. 

READ MORE: Moree OTC employees to relive history this weekend

“Moree was ideally located to provide the satellite technology that was essential for the transmission of the Apollo missions and moon landing,” Mr Brand said.

“I have fond memories of working in Moree particularly as it was the catalysis for a lifelong career in the aerospace sector.”

Thunderstruck Aerospace is a leading Australian company in the field of aerospace and has partnered with Moree science students to send a balloon 33 kilometres into the stratosphere (one-third of the way into space) to conduct a series of experiments relating to air pressure, temperature and radiation.

Moree Secondary College’s head science teacher Adrian Heard said that students will investigate the effects that high radiation, extremely low temperatures and air pressure has on seed germination and elasticity of materials.

“The balloon launch is a unique opportunity for students to study the effects of space and we hope to capture the adventure using a Go-Pro and drone technology,” he said.

Robert Brand will join more than 60 ex-OTC staff in Moree over the Easter long weekend to relive the memories and celebrate lifelong friendships that were made during the 20-year operation of the Moree satellite earth station which was opened in 1968 and decommissioned in 1988.