Organisation Overview

Moonlode is a space engineering company specialising in spacecraft thermal management, with a focus on the design and manufacture of multilayer insulation (MLI) blankets. Founded by aerospace engineer Dr Andrew Barton, Moonlode provides practical, mission-ready thermal solutions for spacecraft ranging from CubeSats to deep-space and planetary missions.

Customers are supported across the full thermal lifecycle, including early-stage thermal analysis, detailed modelling, MLI design and fabrication, through to test and flight phases. By combining in-house thermal engineering expertise with local manufacturing capability, Moonlode enables Australian and international space programs to access high-quality thermal systems without the cost and risk of developing this capability internally.

Moonlode works closely with industry, research organisations, and emerging space ventures, delivering fast turnaround, low-volume, custom thermal solutions suited to modern space missions.

Expertise and Capabilities

Spacecraft thermal analysis and modelling (Thermal Desktop and lumped parameter models)

Design, manufacture, and integration of custom multilayer insulation (MLI) blankets

Thermal trade studies and worst-case hot/cold analysis

Radiator sizing and thermal control optimisation

Support for thermal vacuum testing and test correlation

Thermal and mechanical design consultancy for space missions

End-to-end thermal support from concept through flight readiness

Unique Selling Points

Australia-based MLI design and manufacturing capability

Specialisation in low-volume, custom, space-rated MLI

Short lead times (typically 4 to 8 weeks post design approval)

Deep, hands-on thermal engineering expertise

Low overheads enable cost-effective pricing for emerging missions

Flexible engagement: on-site, remote, or embedded with customer teams

Proven experience supporting mission-critical thermal systems

Capabilities

  • Advanced Systems & Components
  • Component and Material Supply
  • Consultancy Services
  • Consulting and Solutions
  • Launch Support Services
  • Launch Vehicle Component and Subsystem Manufacturing
  • Space-related Research and Development
  • System Engineering and Technical Support
  • System Engineering and Technical Support Services
  • Technical Support Services
  • Vulnerability Management