Lieutenant General Susan Coyle enlisted as a soldier in the Army Reserves in 1987 before completing a Science degree at the Australian Defence Force Academy and graduating from the Royal Military College in 1992 into the Royal Australian Corps of Signals. She was appointed to Chief of Joint Capabilities Group in July 2024, becoming the first female to lead a warfighting and operational domain.
Lieutenant General Coyle has worked at the tactical, operational and strategic level in a variety of command and staff appointments. She has commanded at every rank, including Commander Forces Command, Commander Joint Task Force 633 (CJTF633), Commander 6th Brigade, Commander Task Group Afghanistan and Commanding Officer 17th Signal Regiment. She has seen operational service as the J6 Communications on Operation CITADEL, and Officer Commanding 104th Signal Squadron on Operation ANODE, Deputy Commander – Afghanistan, transitioning into Deputy Commander JTF 636 on Operation SLIPPER / Task Group Afghanistan on Operation HIGHROAD, and CJTF633 on Operation ACCORDION. Key staff appointments include Head Information Warfare, Director Workforce and Behaviours - First Principles Review, Director Soldier Career Management – Army, Director of Studies Land at the Australian Command and Staff College, Military Assistant to the Deputy Chief of Army and Aide-de-camp to Commander Australian Theatre.
Lieutenant General Coyle holds post-graduate qualifications in a Master of Strategic Studies from the United States Army War College, a Master in Organisational Development and Strategic Human Resource Management from the University of New England, and a Master of Management in Defence Studies from the University of Canberra. She is an alumnus of the Harvard Advanced Management Program.
Lieutenant General Coyle was appointed a Member of the Order of Australia for Commander Joint Task Force 633, a Distinguished Service Medal as Deputy Commander JTF 636 / Commander Task Group Afghanistan on Operation SLIPPER / HIGHROAD, and a Conspicuous Service Cross as Commanding Officer 17th Signal Regiment. She has also received a Chief of Joint Operations Command Commendation as Officer Commanding 104th Signal Squadron on Operation ANODE, and a Commander Australian Theatre Commendation as Staff Officer to the Commander Australian Theatre Joint Intelligence Centre. Whilst posted to the United States, she received the U.S. Army Commendation Medal as the 11th Signal Brigade Satellite Engineer.
Susan is married to Mark, an Engineer in the Army, and together they have three wonderful and mostly charming millennials – Jessica, Susie, and Jack. Her hobbies include attending musical theatre, reading anything and travelling anywhere.
Hon. Scott Morrison served as the 30th Prime Minister of Australia from 2018 to 2022,
As Prime Minister, Mr Morrison successfully led Australia through the global COVID 19 pandemic.
Under Mr Morrison’s leadership Australia had the third lowest COVID fatality rate in the OECD
while Australia’s economy outperformed all G7 and almost all OECD economies, making it one of
the most effective public health and economic responses in the world.
As Prime Minister, Mr Morrison was the architect and founder of the AUKUS trilateral defence
agreement between Australia, the United Kingdom and the United States. He was a founding member
of the Quad leaders dialogue with Indian PM Modi, Japanese PMs Suga and Kishida and United
States President Biden. As PM, Mr Morrison also completed numerous other diplomatic, trade and
defence agreements, including the first post Brexit free trade agreement with the UK, the first ever
bilateral defence forces reciprocal access agreement with Japan and the first ever comprehensive
strategic partnership agreement with ASEAN.
Domestically, Mr Morrison steered the Australian economy to its lowest unemployment rate in almost
50 years, balancing the federal budget before the pandemic hit and returning it to a structural surplus.
He ensured Australia remained one of only nine countries in the world to maintain a AAA credit
rating from all major international credit rating agencies.
Prior to becoming Prime Minister, Mr Morrison served as a Cabinet Minister for five years, including
three years as Federal Treasurer (2015-2018) as well as Minister for Immigration and Border
Protection, where he designed and implemented Australia’s highly successful border protection
policy, Operation Sovereign Borders. Mr Morrison served on both the National Security Committee
of Cabinet and the Cabinet Expenditure Review (Budget) Committee for eight years, and as the
Member for the electorate of Cook in the Australian House of Representatives from 2007 to 2024.
As Prime Minister, Mr Morrison was awarded the honour of Chief Commander of the United States
Legion of Merit by President Trump, The Jerusalem Prize by the World Zionist Council and the
inaugural Grotius Prize for International Relations from UK Policy Exchange.
Mr Morrison is now non executive Vice Chairman of US geo-political advisory firm, American
Global Strategies, non executive Chairman of Space Centre Australia and Principal of his own
Australian based consulting firm, Triginta Advisory. He also serves on several global strategic
advisory boards in the private sector as well as the International Democracy Union, the Center for a
New American Security and the Hudson Institute China Center.
Mr Morrison holds a Bachelor of Applied Science with Honours in Economic Geography from the
University of New South Wales, in Sydney, where he graduated in 1990. In 2024 Mr Morrison’s
Christian memoir, Plans for Your Good, was published by Harper Collins. Mr Morrison is married to
Jenny, they have two teenage daughters and live in Sydney, Australia.
Brig. Gen. Anthony J. Mastalir is the Commander, United States Space Forces Indo-Pacific, Joint Base Pearl Harbor - Hickam, Hawaii. The unit plans, coordinates, supports, and conducts employment of space operations across the full range of military operations, including security cooperation, in support of U.S. Indo-Pacific Command objectives.
Brig. Gen. Mastalir earned his commission as a distinguished graduate of the Northwestern University Air Force Reserve Officer Training Corps. He is a credentialed Guardian having completed a series of operational, staff and command assignments in spacelift and range operations, satellite command and control, space electronic warfare, space policy, space security and defense, legislative affairs, and joint operations. He has commanded at the Air Force squadron, group, and wing level and at the Space Force delta level and has deployed in support of Operations Inherent Resolve, Freedom’s sentinel, Spartan Shield, and Allies Refuge.
Prior to his current assignment he served as the Special Assistant to the Deputy Commander, Space Operations Command, Vandenberg SFB, CA.
After moving to Australia from Laos with his parents and brothers when he was just six, Anoulack attended Robert Townson Primary and Robert Townson High School in Raby.
On the weekends and after school, Anoulack helped out at his family’s small grocery store where he learnt the value of hard work and the challenges of small business.
After graduation, Anoulack completed a Bachelor of Commerce at the University of Sydney and later undertook postgraduate studies in economics and public administration at the University of Sydney and the London School of Economics.
Before entering Parliament, Anoulack worked as an economist for 13 years and served as a councillor and later as mayor on Campbelltown City Council.
After his election as Member for Macquarie Fields in 2015, he served as Shadow Minister for Finance and Shadow Minister for Industry and Trade between 2021 and 2022.
Following the election of the Minns Labor Government in March 2023, Anoulack was appointed Minister for Better Regulation and Fair Trading, Minister for Industry and Trade, Minister for Innovation, Science and Technology, Minister for Building and Minister for Corrections.
Anoulack and his wife Anna live in South-West Sydney with their two children Audrey and Christopher.
Eric Philips is an Australian polar explorer, adventurer, guide and private astronaut, renowned for his pioneering expeditions across Earth’s most extreme environments.
Eric has led numerous self-supported ski expeditions across major icecaps, including those in Greenland, Ellesmere Island, Iceland, Svalbard, Patagonia, and Antarctica. Notably, he became the first Australian, alongside companion Jon Muir, to ski to both the North and South Poles, locations he has since trekked to more than 20 times. In 1998–99, he completed a 1,425 km ski expedition from McMurdo Station to the South Pole via the untrodden Shackleton Glacier, one of four new rotes he has pioneered to the Earth’s most southerly point.
In 1999, Eric founded Icetrek Expeditions and Equipment, a company specialising in polar guiding and equipment design. He also co-founded the International Polar Guides Association (IPGA) and co-created the Polar Expeditions Classification Scheme (PECS).
In April 2025, at age 62, Eric participated in the Fram2 mission - the first human spaceflight to orbit over the Poles. Launched from Cape Canaveral aboard a SpaceX Crew Dragon capsule, the mission completed 55 orbits over 3.6 days at an altitude of approximately 430 km. He became the first Australian to fly to orbit under the Australian flag and the fourth Australian in space.
Enrico has led the Australian Space Agency since January 2021. Since his commencement, Enrico has proudly led a diverse team of space agents that have achieved a number of major milestones.
Under his leadership the Agency has reached an agreement with NASA for an Australian designed, built and operated rover to be included in a future mission to the Moon, secured the first launch permits and launch facility licenses under the Australian Space (Launches and Returns) Act, and seen the first commercial spaceflights from Australia.
Before joining the Agency, Enrico spent 14 years in various roles at Virgin Galactic, including establishing and leading a vertically integrated aerospace manufacturing and testing operation for Mach 3, crewed commercial spaceships. From there Enrico was part of the team that launched the New York Stock Exchange listed public company and was appointed Chief Operating Officer.
A Perth native, Enrico graduated from the University of Western Australia with a Bachelor of Engineering in Mechanical Engineering and Bachelor of Science in Physics and Applied Mathematics. He also studied at the International Space University in Strasbourg.
Dr. Kelly Fast is the Acting NASA Planetary Defense Officer for NASA’s Planetary Defense Coordination Office. In her role, she manages planetary defense activities across NASA and coordinates U.S. interagency and international efforts to study and plan a response to the asteroid impact hazard. Previously, she managed NASA’s Near-Earth Object Observations Program for a decade; led NASA’s Solar System Observations, Planetary Astronomy and Planetary Atmospheres research programs; served as the Program Scientist for NASA’s MAVEN mission to Mars; and worked as a planetary astronomer at NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center. She earned her B.S. in Astrophysics from the University of California, Los Angeles, and her M.S. and Ph.D. in Astronomy from the University of Maryland. Main-belt asteroid 115434 (2003 TU2) was renamed “Kellyfast” in honor of Dr. Fast’s contributions to planetary science
A.C. is an experienced leader in entrepreneurial aerospace ventures. His private and public sector experience span a multitude of technical areas including launch vehicles, hypersonics, human/robotic exploration, lunar landers, planetary defense, small satellites, and aviation autonomy.
From 2023 to 2025 he served as NASA’s chief technologist, serving as principal advisor to NASA’s administrator on technology policy and programs. He supported technology innovation at the agency and alignment of NASA’s agencywide technology investments with mission needs across its six mission directorates. A.C. also supported technology collaboration with other federal agencies and the private sector while coordinating with external stakeholders.
Before joining NASA, he served as vice president of product strategy at Reliable Robotics, a firm working to bring certified autonomous vehicles to commercial aviation. A.C. led the overall corporate strategy for the company, including working to mature product fit, leading/conducting market and competitive assessments, and engaging with global customers and partners. He also led program management for their Department of Defense autonomy projects.
Prior to Reliable Robotics, he worked on advanced development programs at Blue Origin. He helped define their lunar permanence strategy, created and advanced the Blue Moon lunar lander strategy, and engaged with customers and technical partners. He also moved multiple technology projects forward, including many with NASA.
He previously worked as a strategy and business development leader for the Virgin Galactic (now Virgin Orbit) LauncherOne small satellite launch vehicle program. While there, he advocated for using a 747-400 aircraft to air-launch a rocket carrying payloads to space and then captured a contract for several dozen launches.
Before Virgin Orbit, he held multiple roles at SpaceWorks Enterprises, including strategic thinker and technical analyst in the areas of space transportation and infrastructure design, aerospace economic/financial modeling, and general far-term technology impact assessment and prioritization. While at SpaceWorks, he was also heavily involved in incubating the two startups of Generation Orbit and Terminal Velocity Aerospace.
A.C. led the formation of the FastForward industry group focused on high-speed, point-to-point transportation. He was also a NASA Innovative Advanced Concepts (NIAC) fellow and was on the Lunar Exploration Analysis Group Commercial Advisory Board. He received a bachelor’s and a master’s degree in aerospace engineering from the Georgia Institute of Technology and a bachelor’s in economics from Emory University.
Dr. Ulpia-Elena Botezatu is a leading voice in global space governance, serving as Chair of the UN COPUOS Scientific and Technical Subcommittee and Co-Chair of the Action Team on Lunar Activities Consultation (ATLAC). In these roles, she plays a pivotal part in shaping international policies for the peaceful and sustainable use of outer space.
As a Space Policy Officer at the Romanian Space Agency, Dr. Botezatu represents Romania in key international organizations, including the European Space Agency, the European Commission, the EU Space Surveillance and Tracking Partnership, and NATO's Science and Technology Organization. Her work focuses on space security, space situational awareness, and the resilience of critical space infrastructure, ensuring that global space activities align with security and sustainability principles.
Holding a Doctorate in Engineering and a Master’s in Urban Management, she brings an interdisciplinary perspective to space governance, bridging technical expertise with policy and legal considerations. A prolific author in the field, she is currently working on a book exploring the intricate connections between outer space and urban environments. Additionally, she is pursuing a degree in international law with a focus on space law, further strengthening her ability to contribute to the development of practical legal frameworks that support secure and cooperative space activities.
Dr. Botezatu is deeply committed to fostering international partnerships and advancing policies that promote responsible space exploration, ensuring that space remains a domain for peaceful cooperation and innovation.
Roosevelt “Ted” Mercer, Jr., Major General, USAF (Ret.), is the CEO and Executive Director of the Virginia Spaceport Authority. Since taking office on August 1, 2021, Mr. Mercer has made it the mission of the Virginia Spaceport Authority to serve the Commonwealth’s economy by providing afe, reliable, and responsive space launch services, ensuring access to space at competitive prices, and maintaining secure facilities for testing of unmanned vehicles for integration into the National Airspace System (NAS).
The Virginia Spaceport Authority, a political subdivision of the Commonwealth of Virginia, owns and operates the Mid-Atlantic Regional Spaceport (MARS). MARS is co-located on NASA’s Wallops Flight Facility on the Eastern Shore of Virginia. Mr. Mercer is responsible for the expansion and promotion of the commercial and government space industry in the Commonwealth. He directly oversees successful launch to space, industrial and economic development, and scientific and technological research and development.
Under Mr. Mercer's leadership, the Virginia Spaceport Authority continues to reach milestones that signify rapid expansion, including successful launches, the development of new facilities, a new launch pad, and outreach activities with domestic and international space industry organizations.
Prior to joining the Virginia Spaceport Authority, Mr. Mercer was the director of the Office of NextGen Collaboration and Messaging at the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). He provided high-level leadership by managing and building relationships with a broad representation of stakeholders in the aviation community, federal agencies, and international air navigation service providers.
Mr. Mercer oversaw communication and outreach activities, including performance reporting for the Next Generation Air Transportation System (NextGen). His organization supported the governance of the NextGen Executive Board, the NextGen Management Board, the NextGen Executive Weather Panel, and the NextGen Advisory Committee, managed interagency NextGen issues, and coordinated the Office of NextGen’s international program to support global harmonization.
Prior to joining the FAA in April 2016, Mr. Mercer served as the Vice President and Director for Government Commercial & International Initiatives, Geospatial Systems, a division of ITT Exelis. He was responsible for government and industry partnerships and international initiatives.
Mr. Mercer served in the United States Air Force (USAF) for more than 32 years (retired January 1, 2008), most recently as Director of Plans and Policy for U.S. Strategic Command at Offutt Air Force Base (AFB) Nebraska. He was responsible for the development and implementation of national security policy, military strategy, space and weapons employment concepts and policy, and joint doctrine as it applied to the command and execution of its missions. Mr. Mercer was also responsible for the development of the nation’s strategic war plan, strategic support plans for theatre combatant commanders, and contingency planning for the Global Strike mission.
Mr. Mercer has held Air Force command eight times from the squadron to the wing level. Some of his many USAF assignments include Commander, 45th Logistics Group, Patrick AFB, FL; Commander 30th Space Wing, Vandenberg AFB, CA; Commander, 81st Training Wing, Biloxi, MS; Commander 91st Operations Group, Minot, N.D.; Vice Director of Plans, U.S. Space Command, Peterson AFB, Colorado; Deputy Director of Operations, Headquarters Air Force Space Command, Peterson AFB, CO; and Commandant, Joint Forces Staff College, National Defense University, Norfolk, VA.
Entering the USAF in 1975, Mr. Mercer was a distinguished graduate of the University of Puget Sound’s ROTC program. His education credentials include a BA in urban planning from the University of Puget Sound; MS in counseling from the University of Oklahoma; post-graduate Executive Programs at Syracuse University, National Defense University, and Harvard University’s John F. Kennedy School of Government; and a concentrated Executive Financial Development Program at the Wharton School of Business.
Mr. Mercer is chair of the FAA’s Commercial Space Transportation Advisory Committee, chair of the Global Spaceport Alliance’s Policy and Outreach Advisory Committee, and member of the Commonwealth of Virginia Governor’s Aerospace Advisory Council; the Board of Trustees for the Rochester Institute of Technology, Rochester, NY; the National Association of Governing Boards; the Commercial Space Transportation Advisory Committee; and the National Space Council Users’ Advisory Group.
Dr. Sugita has more than 20 years of experience in the space sector. She has held numerous roles and led several projects in fostering innovation with the private sector and international cooperation. Among the projects initiated includes collaboration with a startup and local government, which later won the Prime Minister's award of the Japan Open Innovation Prize.
Currently, at JAXA, she is serving as the Japan lead for Earth Observing Dashboard in cooperation with NASA and ESA, to make information from satellites available to decision-makers and the public. She is also promoting public-private-academia partnerships through the Consortium for Satellite Earth Observation (CONSEO).
Dr. Sugita earned a Master in Public Administration at the Harvard Kennedy School, and received a doctorate from the National Graduate Institute of Policy Studies.
Yoshinori Odagiri started his career at All Nippon Airways Co., Ltd. (ANA) in 1987, focusing on flight operations management. After leading operational teams at Narita and Haneda Airports, he became Deputy Director of the Asia Strategy Office in 2011 and joined AirAsia Japan as a founding member, serving as CEO from 2012. In 2016, he joined ANA Strategic Research Institute, conducting studies on the revitalization of domestic airports for local governments and airport managers. He has served as President & CEO of SPACE COTAN Co., Ltd. since April 2021.
Sang-Ho Yun has supported over 200 major disaster response efforts globally over the past 15 years, using satellite Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) data. He is the Director of the Earth Observatory of Singapore – Remote Sensing Lab (EOS-RS) and an Associate Professor at the Asian School of the Environment (ASE) and the School of Electrical and Electronic Engineering (EEE) at Nanyang Technological University (NTU) in Singapore. Prior to joining NTU in 2021, he was a geophysicist and radar scientist at NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) for 14 years. Sang-Ho received the 2018 NASA Exceptional Public Achievement Medal and the 2014 NASA Early Career Achievement Medal for his innovative use of satellite SAR data in support of rapid post-disaster response. He holds a PhD in Geophysics and an MS in Electrical Engineering from Stanford University, and a BS in Earth and Environmental Sciences from Seoul National University.
James Palmer MEM, CompIEAust, EngExec
Founder, Space Centre Australia
As the founder of Space Centre Australia, James has over 20 years’ experience as a Chartered Engineering Executive Leader.
James began his career as a submariner in the Royal Australian Navy.
During this time, he gained extensive experience in engineering vehicles to withstand hostile conditions, both deep underwater and in space.
As CEO and Owner of Space Centre Australia, James specialises in project management, engineering, environmental science, land management, and of course, space systems. James’ educational achievements include a Master of Philosophy from the Queensland University of Technology, a Master of Business Administration from the University of South Australia, and a Master of Engineering Management from Southern Cross University.
Growing up in 1980s USA, Katie fell in love with Space as a small child and has been working in the domain since 2021 (if you can dream it, you CAN do it – Space needs everyone!) after COVID upturned her successful Fashion Photography business and deposited her in the Australian Public Service. Katie’s career has also included time as an Executive Support Guru, Recruiter and Retail whiz in the early days. Currently working in the Australian Space Agency’s International Partnerships team, Katie has also worked in Civil Space Policy and National Missions.
A passionate advocate for Women, Diversity and Inclusion in STE(A)M, and a personal supporter of events and organisations which encourage all to consider a career in STE(A)M, Katie also has a particular interest in First Nations connections to Sky and Country and appreciates the sharing of learning and experiences.
Katie cares deeply about being a champion for Equity, Diversity and Inclusion, not only in her workplace but also through external activities, and takes great pride in leading by example, consideration and intent.
Easily recognised by her warm smile, colourful outfits and Space themed accessories – Katie’s unique conversation starters have helped build genuine connections with her ever-growing network of peers who support the belief that we should seek to lift others as we ourselves rise.
Katie is an alumni of Melbourne Business School’s “Women’s Leadership Program”, is a Masters level member of the Australian Human Resources Institute, member of the Women in Aviation/Aerospace Australia organisation and an inaugural committee member of the Australian Space Diversity Alliance. She is currently completing her PSMP through QUT. She participates as a mentor in programs which focus on supporting young women in the Space arena.
In her downtime, Katie can be found keeping her hand in Photography (both Film and Digital), working on Vintage Sportscars and getting the living room “just right” (for the thousandth time, much to her cats’ displeasure).
Anntonette Dailey is a chartered engineer and brings more than 15 years senior executive capability, working across multiple Government agencies, not for profit and consultancies.
Anntonette was recently the Executive Director at the Australian Space Agency, having commenced as part of the inaugural leadership team in 2018 and was responsible for managing its operating environment, managing stakeholders and was instrumental in the establishment of the Australian Space Discovery Centre, publishing the first three whole of Government State of Space Reports, the financial controller and management of the public affairs, outreach and parliamentary activity.
Anny has always had a soft spot for the space sector, attending space camps at school, presenting to Parliament on the need for better space coordination. She is also a major supporter for developing the current and future STEM workforce. Her leadership and passion were recognised by AFR as one of Australia’s 100 most Influential Women and as young graduate of the year by the University of Technology, Sydney.
As a mother to Skye (6) and Flynn (1), Anny enjoys caravanning, renovating, rugby union and car racing.
Dr Rebecca Allen is the Co-Director of the Space Technology and Industry Institute at Swinburne University of Technology. She completed her PhD in Astrophysics at Swinburne where she used information from powerful telescopes like the Hubble Space Telescope to study the evolution and growth of galaxies going back to when the Universe was barely a billion years old. Now, Dr Allen applies her scientific expertise to help support Australia's growing space industry. To this end, she supports the translation of cutting-edge research in areas such as microgravity experimentation and Earth observation to build climate change resilient communities and support innovations for Earth. When she’s not studying space or sending things there, she’s inspiring and empowering future space leaders by communicating the wonders of the Universe and creating immersive, hands-on learning experiences.
Dr Catherine Grace is a thought leader in the areas of: Defence, Space, Medicine and Disruptive Technologies. She has held international roles in research, industry engagement, innovation strategy, policy development, partnerships & medical consultancy.
As physician and clinical researcher, Catherine has applied her translational skills to Disruptive Technologies and their economic impact.
She is recognised as a dynamic, resilient leader, with a broad range of experience in healthcare, defence, space, research & education, and strategic development.
Focused on providing knowledgeable advice and implementing strategies to support the achievement of organisational objectives, Catherine has been acknowledged for formulating and improving processes, directing and coordinating activities to develop long-range goals, communicating with influence and creating a harmonious, successful environment.
Dr Grace has shown commitment to the scientific community with multiple publications, national presentations, community engagement & education.
Dr Joni Sytsma is an aerospace engineer hailing from the USA who, as a recent citizen of Australia, is committed to building innovative technologies within our country. Dr Sytsma has over 16 years’ experience in the research, development and commercialisation of extremely complex aerospace systems where combined interactions of hardware, software and physics are the defining value-add.
As the Chief Technology Officer (iLAuNCH), Dr Sytsma leads the program’s research portfolio in space, satellites, rockets, hypersonics and advanced manufacturing and materials.
Joni was most recently Chief Technology Officer at Department 13 in the counter unmanned aerial systems field. Joni began her career with a decade of developing cutting edge aerospace systems at the United States Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL). In her time at AFRL, Dr Sytsma led research and development teams to design and optimise aerospace technologies and develop academic concepts into fully tested systems.
Dr Sytsma moved to Australia to join the Hypersonic International Flight Research Experiment (HIFiRE) program with Defence Science and Technology (DST) group. She then joined Gilmour Space Technologies as Head of GNC to work on software stack development, performance simulations and design optimisations.
Professor Melissa de Zwart, Professor Space Law and Governance, University of Adelaide
Melissa is the Deputy Director and a Chief Investigator of the ARC Centre of Excellence in Plants for Space and Professor, Space Law and Governance, Andy Thomas Centre for Space Resources, at the University of Adelaide.
Melissa is a prominent legal researcher, working in the areas of commercial and military uses of outer space, encompassing both domestic and international space law. She has worked closely with the Australian space industry, including previously serving as Deputy Director and Board Member of the Space Industry Association of Australia, as well as on the successful bid team for the 2025 International Astronautical Congress to be held in Sydney. She has published widely on all legal and regulatory aspects of the space environment and contributed extensively to reviews and reforms of the regulatory framework. Melissa is a Fellow of the Australian Academy of Law and a Member of the International Institute of Space Law.
Lloyd Damp is CEO of Southern Launch and is at the forefront of the space industry in Australia. He founded Southern Launch in 2017 and the company conducted the first commercial space launch from Australian soil in 2020 and Australia’s first commercial space return in 2025.
Today, Southern Launch employs 30 people and operates two licensed space launch and return facilities in Koonibba and Whalers Way on the Eyre Peninsula of South Australia. These multi-user space launch facilities have been used by domestic and international customers with the Koonibba Test Range hosting the launch of the first high-powered rocket under Australian legislation.
Lloyd leads a team dedicated to developing world-class space launch and return facilities in South Australia and providing bespoke solutions for customers. Lloyd’s vision is to build a connected space industry centred around domestic launch and return capabilities to establish Australia as the next global space hub.
Prior to starting Southern Launch, Lloyd spent over 12 years working for the Australian Government specialising in complex program design and delivery. While there Lloyd also played a small part in helping Australia undertake regular rocket launches into space from Woomera.
Dr Sarah Cannard, B.Eng., B.Sc., PhD, Fellow Engineers Australia, CPEng, GAICD
Dr Sarah Cannard is a space systems engineer, project manager and scientist with almost two decades of experience working for Nova Systems in the Australian Defence and Space sector. She is currently seconded to the SmartSat CRC as Industry Director and Project Manager for the Kanyini Earth Observation mission.
Previous projects include being the Lead Systems Engineer for the AROSE Australian Trailblazer Lunar Rover, part team to support to the JAXA Hayabusa 1 Spacecraft re-entry, was Flight Safety Officer for hypersonic sub-orbital rocket launches, has conducted weapons testing, autonomous vehicle tests and trials, and was a member of the Technical Advisory Group for the ASA Robotics and Automation Roadmap.
As former Female Space Leader of the Year and nominee for South Australian of the Year Awards, Sarah has demonstrated her deep passion for space and growing a truly sovereign Australian industry and promoting space-STEM careers across all generations.
Dan is the CEO of the Space Industry Association of Australia (SIAA and brings extensive global and Australian executive, board and government experience across communications, technology, infrastructure, digital transformation and AI. Dan’s executive leadership experience spans government and media, legal, strategy, wholesale and retail P&L leadership and growth, innovation and M&A. Dan has served as Vodafone Group’s Public Policy Director for Africa, Middle East and Asia Pacific based in London; Head of Regulatory of Vodafone India based in Mumbai;
Chief Strategy Officer and Corporate Affairs Director of Vodafone Australia; Senior Adviser to the Communications Minister; and Senior Associate at leading AsiaPacific technology law firm Gilbert + Tobin Lawyers. Dan has lived, worked or studied in 13 countries and brings extensive experience in international policy and business including as a Director of the UK India Business Council and GSMA’s Chief Regulatory Officers Group. Dan is a graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors (GAICD, and has Chaired the Vodafone and TPG Telecom Foundations and the Australian Mobile Telecommunications Association (AMTA. Dan is currently a Non-Executive Director of Infoxchange.org which delivers leading-edge IT, cybersecurity and AI hardware, services and training to over 38,000 not-for-profits
throughout Australia and the Asia-Pacific.
Jacqui Tyack is a seasoned marketing executive with over 25 years of experience across federal government agencies and the private sector, spanning startups to multinational corporations. In 2022, she founded The Write Space, a communications consultancy that provides strategic marketing and brand guidance to the space industry. In 2024, she co-founded the Australian Space Diversity Alliance, aimed at increasing the participation of diverse and underrepresented groups in the space sector.
Currently, Jacqui collaborates with space and defence organisations on media and stakeholder engagement initiatives. Her extensive experience includes pivotal roles at Hewlett Packard and the Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet, culminating in her contributions to the establishment of the Australian Space Agency in 2018. There, she developed a new brand and led media relations with government officials and global space agencies. A highlight of her tenure was working on a groundbreaking mission with the Japanese Aerospace Exploration Agency, which successfully returned asteroid samples to Woomera in 2020.
As a first-generation Australian, Jacqui is deeply passionate about diversity, equity and inclusion, advocating for a workforce that mirrors the rich multicultural tapestry of the nation and the benefits it brings to employers.
Gary Hale is the Director for the National Resilience & Security Program Office, or NRAS for short, and Chief Security Officer (CSO), appointed at Curtin University. This role is charged with building a resilient University that drives sustainable world-class science and innovation partnerships, including the development of nationally significant sovereign capability for Australia. This includes management of Foreign Risk, the Defence Industry Security Program (DISP), as well as growing the Defence and Space research portfolio in partnership with our government and industry stakeholders.
Deb has had a dual career in General Business Management, in small and medium enterprises, and as a Human Resource Leader in
Global Multinationals. She is equally comfortable with strategy and operations and brings both a systems design and human experience
approach to enabling top-line and bottom-line performance.
Deb brings specialisations in Leadership & Culture Transformation; Diversity, Equity & Inclusion; HR Business Partnering & Offshoring and
Learning & Development. She was an integral member of the global team supporting global tech company, SAP’s leadership and
business transformation, and has mentored and guided hundreds of leaders and teams throughout the world.
Deb has watched with fascination over several decades, as the research and practice has demonstrated beyond doubt, robust Diversity &
Inclusion strategies are high value business strategies in their own right. She is passionate about valuing differences and leveraging
strengths, which enable Innovation & Performance and Wellbeing & Belonging in organisations and teams.
Deb holds a Certificate in Governance for Not for Profits; a Master of Management in Human Resource Management, a Bachelor of Arts
in Communications (Org Psych) and is a Certified Coach with a Certificate IV in Assessment and Workplace Training. She has been a
member of multiple Brandon Hall award winning learning teams and is happiest in snowy mountains curled up with a book by the fire!
Keira is an ecologist and conservationist researching at Macquarie University. Her space journey began in a cross-disciplinary project at Macquarie Orbital and evolved into advocacy for student voices to be heard at the space industry level. It is Keira's goal to form a collaborative, trans-disciplinary pathway from education through to workforce for passionate cohorts of young professionals and space enthusiasts in Australia. Currently, she is Co-president at the Space Research Student Committee NSW, National Committee member at the Australian Space Diversity Alliance, and Director at the Australian Virtual Astronaut Challenge.
Duncan Blake researches and teaches at the intersection of law, space, and military strategy. A former permanent member of the Royal Australian Air Force, he served 22 years as a Legal Officer and now continues as a Reserve legal officer. His career spans legal support to operations in Iraq and Syria, strategic advisory roles, and work with strike and surveillance units. He served as Deputy Director of Operations and International Law in the Department of Defence and advised the Defence Space Coordinating Office, leading strategic legal initiatives in military space operations.
Duncan helped develop a joint operating concept for military use of space and continues to advise on Defence space law and operations. He has contributed extensively to Defence doctrine and policy, particularly in operations and space law, and was awarded the 2011 Lieber Society Military Prize.
He holds degrees in Law and Economics (UWA), two Master of Laws degrees (Melbourne, McGill), and is a graduate of Australian Command and Staff College. At McGill, he wrote his thesis on warfare in space law and later founded the Manual on International Law Applicable to Military Uses of Outer Space (MILAMOS) and led the Woomera Manual project.
Duncan is completing a PhD at the University of Adelaide on resolving legal conflicts in military space law. He also founded the Workshops on the Regulation of Space Activities and Technologies (WRegSAT) and is Deputy Chair in 2025.
He consults with the International Aerospace Law & Policy Group and pursues research in space governance. Duncan lives in Australia with his wife and two children, and enjoys cycling, skiing, and rowing.
Khushi has a background in physics and palaeoscience, with a passion for cross-disciplinary research in space sciences. Her current focus lies on making science accessible and building a support network for students and young professionals interested in Space. With experience in physical chemistry and astrobiology, Khushi now works as an X-ray Scientist at CSIRO, analysing mineral resources, and a Host at Sydney Observatory, championing the need for science communication. She believes that harnessing the multidisciplinary nature of Space is key to engaging youth and inspiring Australia’s future in Space.
Dr Carsten Laukamp is a Principal Research Scientist at CSIRO Mineral Resources, evaluating multispectral and hyperspectral Earth observation imagery (EOI) for critical metals exploration and research. Carsten is a member of the Earth Observation Australia (EOA) Management Committee, co-leading IEEE’s Working Group on Spectroscopic Sensing of Earth Materials of the Geoscience Spaceborne Imaging Spectroscopy Technical Committee (GSIS TC) and a member of advisory boards for EU-funded projects on multi-scale Earth observation. In his various roles, Carsten advocates for EOI within the Australian and international minerals industry and explores common goals with the environmental and agricultural sectors.
Georgi Coddington is the Director of the ASTRA Program, a space education initiative established by the Australian Youth Aerospace Association (AYAA) in 2020. The program provides 36 tertiary students and young professionals a platform to discuss issues pertaining to the growth of Australia’s space sector, where participants from around Australia are supported by leading industry experts to write a co-authored white paper over the Australian summer period. Previous white paper topics have centred around critical space infrastructure, workforce diversity, regional space collaboration and earth observation. Georgi authored a paper on the program, speaking at the 2024 International Astronautical Congress in Milan - representing Australia as one of the AYAA’s 2024 Young Australian Space Leaders. As well as leading the program, she is currently working towards a Bachelor of Engineering (Mechatronics)/Mathematics and is also a TAFE student studying a Diploma of Project Management at RMIT University Melbourne.
Professor Alan Duffy is the Pro-Vice Chancellor of Flagship Initiatives at Swinburne University of Technology, bringing together diverse research teams with industry and government stakeholders to undertake transformative programmes in Flagship sectors of hydrogen, renewable technologies, AI, space and aerospace, MedTech and health innovation. He was the inaugural Director of the Space Technology and Industry Institute at Swinburne, finding ways to use space and AI to help companies and communities on Earth. His research background in computational astrophysics saw Alan model universes on supercomputers to understand how galaxies like our Milky Way form within vast clouds of dark matter. He is trying to find this dark matter as a Chief Investigator in the $35M ARC CoE for Dark Matter Particle Physics and SABRE, the world’s first dark matter detector in the Southern Hemisphere, at the Stawell Underground Physics Laboratory at the bottom of an active gold mine in Victoria. Alan is also the cofounder and CEO of mDetect, a spin-off company from his dark matter research, that uses particles from space to scan through rock for mineral exploration, identification of structural weaknesses in tailings dams, and subsidence/air gaps below critical infrastructure.
Paul founded Crazy Might Work (the first leadership academy to be launched in Antarctica) in 2015, on a mission to bring learnings from frontiers like space to the workplace. Today Crazy Might Work is the leading provider of the Four-Dimensional Leadership program used by NASA. Prior to launching Crazy Might Work, Paul worked in over 20 countries, on everything from mergers and acquisitions to global shared services. He chairs the Board of a Community Services organisation and is a sought-after keynote speaker on the subjects of innovation and leadership as well as a skilled master of ceremonies and moderator. With formal qualifications in education, business and innovation, accreditations in neuroscience and appreciative inquiry, and a pending PhD in breakthrough innovation, you can expect Paul to bring some fresh thinking and inspirational perspectives to the table.
Doug Abdiel is a Global VP Customer Experience and Support at Advanced Navigation, a global leader in autonomous systems and navigation technology.
Doug is a Major in the US Marine Corps Reserves (since 2003), an Executive at Google Australia (since 2014) and Chairman of Purpose and Growth. He holds an MBA from Columbia Business School and an MA from the Australian National University in International Relations. His work at Google has been in partnerships, strategy, operations and deals. His deployments in the Marine Corps took him to places like Haiti and Afghanistan where he developed a passion to try to aid refugees through employment.
Geoffrey R. Adams is the Senior Mission Architect of the Missile Defense product line, managed from L3Harris’ Fort Wayne, Indiana, location. Missile Defense is part of the Spectral Solutions Division within L3Harris Technologies Space and Airborne Systems segment. Space and Airborne Systems offers complete earth observation, weather, geospatial, space protection, and intelligence solutions from advanced sensors and payloads, ground processing, and information analytics.
Adams assumed the position in October 2022. His focus is ensuring operator input into program development projects, furthering cross-cutting ideas throughout the company, enhancing leadership activities, managing developmental programs, and implementing discrete business strategies. Missile Defense is one of three product lines in the Spectral Solutions business unit and is comprised of multiple program teams.
Previously, Adams served as the Deputy Commander for the Joint Force Component Command- Integrated Missile Defense at Schriever Space Force Base, CO. In this role, he was responsible for missile defense force posture recommendations, strategic communications, Allied engagements, and acquisition recommendations on behalf of the joint warfighter. Adams also was commissioned for twenty-seven years in the Army, serving in various missile defense operational and strategic roles in Joint and Service positions.
Adams holds a Master of Science in National Security and Resourcing Strategy from the National Defense University’s Eisenhower School, a Master of Arts in Diplomacy from Norwich University, and a Bachelor of Science in Geography from the United States Military Academy. He is certified in Defense Support of Civil Authorities.
L3Harris Technologies is an agile global aerospace and defense technology innovator, delivering end-to-end solutions that meet customers’ mission-critical needs. The company provides advanced defense and commercial technologies across air, land, sea, space and cyber domains. L3Harris has approximately $18 billion in annual revenue and 48,000 employees, with customers in more than 100 countries.
As Director Governance & Industry Engagement Veronica is responsible for government relations, risk, supply chain and procurement, audit, security, DISP1 and PMO2 , as well as industry engagement (including university engagement) within the Optus Satellite & Space Systems business unit. Veronica also holds a number of nonexecutive board director roles – iLAuNCH Advisory Committee and Chair of the NSW Space Research Network. She was previously Deputy Chair of the Space Industry Association of Australia.
Prior, Veronica held a number of roles with Raytheon Australia, will responsibility for contracts management and Australian Industry Capability within the Business Development function. She also held senior corporate and Papua New Guinea-based Commercial, Compliance and Contractor Management roles with Newcrest Mining. In this capacity she provided legal and commercial advice in complex matters spanning the full spectrum of the contract management process, as well as setting up and managing a flagship vendor prequalification program.
Veronica holds a Bachelor of Arts / Law (Hons) from the University of Sydney and is admitted to the Supreme Courts of NSW and NT. She has also earned a Master of Business Administration (Strategic Planning) from the Edinburgh Business School, Heriot-Watt University (Scotland), a Graduate Diploma in Legal Practice, and a Diploma in Marketing (Public Relations).
Her portfolio included stakeholder identification and management and balancing multiple agendas and priorities to obtain and retain the company’s social licence to operate with an emphasis on supply chain localisation and sovereign capability development to meet Defence Program requirements. Veronica also has extensive experience in research, writing and policy development, with published works on subjects such as Supply Chain Management, Corporate Social Responsibility, and Indigenous Engagement. She has worked for the Judicial Commission of NSW, the Queensland Resources Council, University of Queensland’s Sustainable Minerals Institute, and the UN Global Compact.
David is the Regional Director Australia New Zealand for Lockheed Martin Space, representing the space portfolio of capabilities and services in the region. Prior to joining Lockheed Martin, David was the Chief Executive Officer of the Space Environment Research Centre (SERC), and also held leadership roles in the Space Industry Association of Australia (SIAA) for more than a decade, culminating in his tenure as Chair of the SIAA during 2020. With over 25 years of experience in the space, communications and defence sectors David has spent a significant portion of his career specialising in satellite communications and has held senior positions with several commercial satellite communications operators, including Intelsat and PanAmSat. David’s previous roles encompassed sales management, business development, customer service engineering, space systems design and spacecraft and launch vehicle acquisition.
Earlier in his career David was an electronics engineering officer in the Royal Australian Air Force responsible for engineering management of Defence communications systems with his final posting focused on military satellite communications systems. David holds a Bachelor of Engineering degree (Communications Engineering), a Graduate Diploma in Business Management and a Graduate Diploma in Applied Finance. David is a graduate member of the Australian Institute of Company Directors.
As Chief Executive for L3Harris Technologies Australia, Alan Clements is charged with providing strategic oversight, leading the growth of L3Harris’s Australian and New Zealand based businesses to grow domestic capabilities as well as identify opportunities for export.
Alan joined L3Harris in May of 2021, and commenced as Chief Executive L3Harris Australia in July 2021, bringing experience gained from the uniformed, business and diplomatic sectors.
Alan Clements joined the Royal Australian Air Force on 20 Aug 1985 as a trainee pilot. Upon graduation in 1986 his early career involved training navigators on HS748 aircraft before subsequent flying tours as a primary, and advanced pilot instructor. He undertook F/A-18 conversion in 1993 becoming an F/A-18 Instructor in 1996.
His F/A-18 executive flying appointments include Flight Commander 77 Squadron, Executive Officer No 2 Operational Conversion Unit, and culminated as CommandingOfficer 77 Squadron in 2005/6. His senior executive flying appointments include as the Officer Commanding responsible for initial fighter pilot training, and maintenance technician training, Director of Defence Aviation & Air Force Safety. He also has undertaken tours in capability development responsible for F/A-18 and Hawk 127 aircraft and weapons development.
On promotion to Air Commodore in October of 2011, he was posted to Director General Force Structure Review; contributing to the 2013 Defence White Paper. In December 2013, Air Commodore Clements assumed the duties of Commandant of the Australian Defence Force Academy (ADFA).
As Commandant, Air Commodore Clements was instrumental in strengthening gender equality at ADFA. He implemented a number of policies and training programs focused on improving the treatment of women, and improving the quality of officer education and training at the Academy. He was awarded a Conspicuous Service Cross in 2016 for his leadership whilst at ADFA.
On promotion to Air Vice Marshal in January 2017, he was posted as the Defence Attaché to the United States of America, and was made a Member of the Order of Australia in 2020. Upon return from the US in 2020, AVM Clements retired from full time service and started a consulting business as an executive level adviser and consultant to Australian industry and universities.
Alan is active in the Reserves and his hobbies include aerobatics, flying vintage aircraft, tennis and golf. He is married to Helene, and they have two adult daughters.
Dr. Craig Benson, BE Elec (Hons), MSc, MSc, PhD, is Director, Co-founder, and Chief Innovation Officer of Skykraft. He comes with 30 years of experience in electrical engineering, including roles as a Royal Australian Air Force officer, and a rich academic history spanning PhD and Masters of Science from both UNSW Canberra and Cranfield University in the United Kingdom. Co-founding Skykraft in 2017, Craig's innovative leadership style fosters a culture of autonomy and creativity, driving groundbreaking achievements, including multiple satellite launches that significantly advanced Australia's presence in space. His expertise in aviation and radio signal analysis has been instrumental in shaping Skykraft's approach to building scalable, affordable satellite constellations. Craig’s career journey has been marked by a passion for challenging the status quo and adopting a practical approach that drives innovation and new initiatives.
Gregory Cohen, received a B.Sc.(Eng) Electrical and Computer engineering, a MSc (Eng) and a BCom(Hons) in Finance and Portfolio Management from the University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa in 2007, 2008, 2010, respectively, and a joint PhD in signal processing and neuromorphic engineering from Western Sydney University, Sydney Australia and the University of Pierre and Marie Curie in Paris, France.
Prior to returning to research from industry, he worked in several start-ups and established engineering and consulting firms including working as a consulting engineer in the field of large-scale HVAC from 2007 to 2009, as an electronic design engineer from 2009 to 2011, and as an expert consultant for Kaiser Economic Development Practice in 2012. He is currently the Director of the International Centre for Neuromorphic Systems (ICNS) at Western Sydney University and program lead for neuromorphic algorithms and space applications.
As CEO of Av-Comm Space and Defence, Michael has worked extensively across the implementation of complex ground segment projects, as well as the research and development Australia’s first sovereign designed and manufactured multi-orbit satellite ground terminal – the Cassowary.
Michael’s focus in recent years has been to reinforce Av-Comm’s position within the international market by identifying industries that strategically align with Av-Comm’s technical expertise and infrastructure, with a strong vision on collaborating with domestic and international clients and partners to deliver effective solutions in an ever-evolving industry.
Av-Comm is an ISO certified business, working with clients throughout the defence industry to provide sovereign satcom solutions to further Australia’s national security. Michael is passionate about the importance of multi-orbit satellite architecture in Australia’s military communications network, and is an advocate for the diverse uses of military satcomms.
Kate is a corporate lawyer specialising in managing regulatory risk and complex contracting. Kate specialises in supporting participants in highly regulated industries, including telecommunications, infrastructure and financial services. Kate is experienced in working with incumbent operators and new market entrants, and supports Government agencies as well as corporates.
Kate loves advising on the application of regulatory schemes and on the development of new laws and novel transactions. Kate has a particular focus on the Radiocommunications Act and the Telecommunications Act, and related regulatory schemes, which is what originally drew her into the space sector.
Professor Andrew Dempster is Director of the Australian Centre for Space Engineering Research (ACSER) in the School of Electrical Engineering and Telecommunications at the University of New South Wales (UNSW). He has a BE and MEngSc from UNSW and a PhD from the University of Cambridge in efficient circuits for signal processing arithmetic. He was system engineer and project manager for the first GPS receiver developed in Australia in the late 80s and has been involved in satellite navigation ever since. His current research interests are in satellite navigation receiver design and signal processing, areas where he has six patents, and new location technologies, and space systems, especially those related to extracting water. He is leading the development of space engineering research at ACSER.
Judy has become somewhat of a fixture in Defence and defence industry. After a long and distinguished career in the Royal Australian Air Force, her experience has provided her with the perfect insight for her current role as the Acting Assistant Secretary of the Office of Defence Industry Support – ODIS.
After joining the RAAF in 1980 as a Signals Operator, Judy undertook language training becoming fluent in Chinese Mandarin, Indonesian, Javanese and Pacific Island dialects. She then made history as the first female to crew a combat aircraft when she became an Airborne Electronics Analyst (AEA) on the AP-3C Orion. Working within an operational and highly technical environment has provided Judy with a unique understanding of what leading edge technology actually means to the war fighter. Having a Defence perspective of what’s required from industry has made it far easier for her to empathise with some of the challenges industry face in working with Defence.
After 30 years in uniform, Judy transitioned into Defence as a public servant, landing her dream job, providing advice and guidance to industry on working within the Defence sector. Twelve years later, Judy and her team continue this work, endeavouring to demystify the Defence marketplace for industry, developing support programs and providing guidance, mentoring and advice to ensure that Australian industry has the capability and capacity to meet Defence’s acquisition and sustainment priorities.
Dr Kate Ferguson is the Associate Director Strategic Projects at the Australian National University Institute for Space (InSpace) where she builds linkages between the space and research communities to develop the next space missions using space technology to solve society's challenges back on Earth. As part of this role, she manages the industry engagement and translation of the ANU optical communications program including the ANU Quantum Optical Ground Station, opened in late 2023, which will be capable of providing Southern Hemisphere ground services to future lunar missions including Artemis II. Kate led the stakeholder engagement, project development and contract negotiations for the ANU portfolio for the iLAuNCH Trailblazer program, with 12 projects active and developing advanced space manufacturing products. She was awarded her PhD in 2016 from the Australian National University during which she developed quantum communication hardware for long range quantum networking.
Dr Michael Frater has more than ten years experience in the development of communications systems and services, including videoconferencing and video and image surveillance.
He was the Rector Australian Defence Force Academy (ADFA), University of New South Wales and was involved in a number of collaborative projects, investigating image and video communications.
Dr Frater holds a Bachelors degree in Electrical Engineering and a Doctor of Philosophy in Systems Engineering. He is the author of a number of articles on communications systems and communications services, and is the co-author of books on tactical communications architectures and electronic warfare.
Dr Frater joined Skykraft as the Chief Executive Officer in February 2022.
As an Application Engineer at LEAP Australia, Bennett’s provides expert advice and support on the use of Ansys engineering software for Digital Mission Engineering, Systems Modelling and Computational Fluid Dynamics applications. Having completed a B.Eng (Hon) in Mechatronic Engineering at UNSW, Bennett’s undergraduate thesis applied multi-physics simulation to the design and optimisation of a Polymer Electrolyser-based Green Steel plant tailored to Australia’s unique conditions. Since moving to industry, Bennett’s main focus has been on simulation of complex multi-domain problems encompassing sub-components, individual machines and interconnected networks across a range of industries including aerospace, maritime, construction, mining and agriculture.
Annabel is an international corporate and technology lawyer with over 20 years’ experience in Australia, the UK and Asia. At the heart of what she does is solve problems and execute complex transactions. She specialises in commercial transactions and projects involving technology, data and intellectual property, including in the space sector.
She is passionate about innovation in business and government and the role reliable and clear legal advice plays in achieving project outcomes. She is actively involved in the Canberra Innovation Network and the KWM Digital Economy Team. Her key areas of focus include business domestic capability, opportunities for Australia in our region, and helping clients adopt technology solutions for higher value scale.
Brett has a comprehensive industry and research background focused on technologies for search, delineation, and development for natural resources. His research engaged nose to tail processes from research to patent to commercial agreement. Brett has been Program leader in Australia’s approximately 8.5-year Deep Exploration Technologies Cooperative Research Centre (DET CRC) which developed new subsurface sensing technologies. He is currently project 4 lead for the 9-year MinEx CRC Project 4 who have develop new electromagnetic sensing technologies. Brett also works with government agencies on a range of challenges including development managed aquifer recharge systems and technologies for efficiently locating fractured rock aquifers. Prof. Harris also supervises PhD students and teaches graduate/undergraduate subjects spanning advanced electromagnetism, environmental/groundwater geophysics, and minerals/planetary geophysics. In summary Brett has the demonstrated ability to consistently generate quality innovative research solutions from earth science projects that may span geophysics, numerical simulation, hydrogeology, geothermal technologies, mineral exploration, aquifer management, geological sequestration of CO2, well logging and or well field design.
Ben Hartig is a Research Engineer focused on Space Systems Engineering, Optical Tracking and Orbital Dynamics. He is also completing a PhD studying the application of Deep Reinforcement Learning to these fields. As a founding Space Science and Technology Centre member, he has contributed across multiple programs, including the Desert Fireball Network, FireOPAL and Binar Space Program. Ben’s current role at the Curtin Institute of Radio Astronomy aims to bring together optical and radio capabilities to track natural and artificial space objects with integrated multi-domain observatories.
A highly accomplished scale-up C-Level Executive, and Advisor, who has a consistent track record of creating commercial and financial strategies that transform businesses, drive growth and accelerate commercial and operational success. With extensive experience across the technology, digital, deep tech, electronics, audio, sporting, media, and banking sectors, Matt is a leader in business transformations that increase revenue, optimise structure, streamline operations and increase productivity. Matt also brings strong experience in financial leadership and management, with a proven ability to oversee financial strategy, revenue and profitability, transactional management, compliance and reporting.
Craig Ingram is a physicist and project leader based in Australia, specialising in the development of advanced optical instrumentation and Earth observation technologies. He played a pivotal role in the CyanoSense project, leading the design and deployment of Australia's first domestically developed hyperspectral imaging payload in space, aimed at monitoring inland water quality and detecting harmful algal blooms. Craig's current work at CSIRO includes innovative telescope design for Earth observation satellites, integrating cutting-edge optical systems and rapid prototyping methodologies to enhance environmental monitoring from satellites, drones, and airborne platforms. He is dedicated to advancing satellite remote sensing capabilities and promoting Australian leadership in space-based Earth observation.
Michelle has over 25 years of mining industry experience and 4 years in the space industry.
She was formerly the Director Space and Resources at AROSE where she was the program director of Australia's first lunar rover, led mining missions to NASA and delivered the Space STEM program. Prior to this, she was the Program Director Technology Development, and leader of the Next Generation Mine Innovation Program, at South 32.
At South 32 she was responsible for leading the identification, design and delivery of new technology and innovation for all greenfield projects as
well as translation into brownfield operations. With a non-traditional technology background, Michelle brought her strategic and mining
experience to deliver programs, and help drive the future competitiveness of the company.
Michelle graduated with a Bachelor of Engineering in Mining (Hons) and a Master of Science (Mineral Economics) from Curtin University. In 2023, Michelle was awarded the Space Professional of the Year at the Australian Space Industry Awards, recognising her work connecting the resources and space industries together in Australia and with the US. And in 2024, Michelle was included in the top 100 Global Inspirational Women in Mining.
Rajat is a Co-founder and the Chief Executive Officer of Space Machines Company, which is building a “Roadside Assist in Space” capability to service and protect critical space infrastructure and ensure their availability to enable key on-earth capabilities. In March 2024, Optimus, the first demonstrator spacecraft and the largest single Australian-designed and built satellite, will launch on a SpaceX rocket.
Rajat is also the founding partner of 11point2, delivering entrepreneurial innovation to major corporations in sectors such as energy and resources. The firm is dedicated to innovating solutions for complex challenges, with a strong commitment to environmental sustainability, energy transformation, and public welfare. 11point2 collaborates exclusively with partners focused on making a positive impact on climate change, decarbonization, national security, and health.
Throughout his diverse career, Rajat has held various roles, including investor, advisor, founder, director, and executive across technology-driven sectors. He trained as an aerospace engineer and his professional experience spans from a senior technology, product, and research leader at Microsoft to being an early senior executive and co-founder of 3 start-ups. He has managed businesses across multiple international markets to drive growth and profitability. His leadership extends beyond corporate roles, serving as an advisor for digital health and cybersecurity platforms.
Darin is an experienced director who has over 30 years of experience in defence, space, international and political studies, and large-scale transformation projects both in Australia and the United States.
As the Executive Director of iLAuNCH Trailblazer, Darin is responsible for the program that will build Australia’s sovereign space capability by addressing critical gaps and accelerating the development of space launch manufacturing. Darin most recently was a Director of Space for the South Australian Space Industry Centre (SASIC) which saw him formulate and execute the State’s space strategy to build an enduring space industry for South Australia. Prior to that, he managed the virtual warfare lab for Boeing PhantomWorks (International). He is a military veteran of more than 25-years, working on operations, strategy, and capability development for the Air and Space domains.
His extensive space experience also includes: Chief of Australia’s Space Operations Centre (AUSSpOC), Chief of Strategy to the US Executive Agent for Space within the Pentagon, and staff officer in Australia’s joint Defence Space Coordinating Office.
Ian Manchester received the B.E. (Hons 1) and Ph.D. degrees in Electrical Engineering from the University of New South Wales, Australia, in 2002 and 2006, respectively. He has held research positions at Umea University, Sweden, and Massachusetts Institute of Technology, USA. In 2012 he joined the faculty at the University of Sydney, where he is currently Professor of Mechatronic Engineering, Director of the Australian Centre for Robotics (ACFR) and Director of the Australian Robotic Inspection and Asset Management Hub (ARIAM). His research interests include optimization and learning methods for nonlinear system analysis, identification, and control, with applications in robotics and biomedical engineering. He is an Associate Editor for IEEE Control Systems Letters and has previously served as an Associate Editor for IEEE Robotics & Automation Letters.
Nick began his career as a Telecommunications Engineer, starting work for Optus in 1996 under the Optus Cadetship program, and pursued many areas of opportunity and growth across Satellite Operations, Engineering, Marketing and Sales. In 2008 he completed an MBA at MGSM.
Nick left Optus in 2011 to join global satellite service provider SpeedCast to lead the SATCOM expansion into major regional projects including PNG, focused on DIBP for Manus Island connectivity, and all across the Pacific, eventually becoming the VP, Sales for Asia Pacific managing three sales teams from Hong Kong (North Asia), Singapore (South East Asia) and Australia Pacific. Nick enabled the $184m business satellite service (BSS) delivery and support contract with NBN.
Returning to Optus in 2017 initially as Senior Director Sales & Marketing, Nick now leads Solutions, Product, Marketing and Strategy for Optus Satellite and Space Systems. In this role, he secured the business case underpinning the launch of the region’s first Software Defined GEO Satellite – Optus 11, and the contracts supporting the launch of the world's first Mission Extension Pod (MEP) from SpaceLogistics.
He is now in charge of the development and evolution of satellite and defence products & solutions for Optus, and has a passion to enable Australian industry collaboratively for mutual success.
Professor Anna Moore works at the forefront of Australia’s renaissance in space exploration and is a major force driving Australia’s strategic direction and R&D translation agenda to build national space capabilities and industry. An astronomer by training and a globally recognised leader in astronomical instrumentation, she founded and directs the multi-disciplinary Institute for Space (InSpace) at the Australian National University. Through Moore’s strategic leadership, ANU is now internationally recognised as a thought leader and solution provider for some of the most pressing challenges on the planet directing her teams’ work in space situational awareness, quantum communications, space-based earth observation and climate adaptability, and space governance. Professor Moore was instrumental in the formation of the Australian Space Agency in 2018, as part of the Australian Government’s expert reference group, and continues to play a key role in building major alliances with partner space agencies and industry leaders across the US, Europe, and Asia. Moore was director of Mount Stromlo’s Advanced Instrumentation and Technology Centre from 2017-2021, and prior to this worked for Caltech for 12 years. Anna has earned several awards and appointments including fellowship of the Australian Academy of Technological Sciences and Engineering, the Northcote Graduate Scholarship for Doctoral Studies, Australian Space Awards Female Leader of the Year 2022, Executive of the Year 2024, American Chamber of Commerce in Australia Alliance awards - Space leader 2024 and Australian Financial Review’s Top 100 Innovators. In 2025, Professor Anna Moore was awarded the prestigious Royal Astronomical Society’s (RAS) Jackson-Gwilt Medal.
Mark Ramsey is the Chief Commercial Officer for Space Machines Company, who are building low-cost orbital rapid response capability to inspect, protect and assist space assets. Mark is a space industry professional with nearly 20 years’ experience in a diverse range of technical and leadership roles, including roles at Lockheed Martin, NewSat, Sitael, and Thales Alenia Space, overseeing spacecraft design, build and development from cubesats to Geostationary spacecraft.
Mark graduated from Adelaide University with a Bachelor of Engineering and Diploma of Languages, and subsequently completed his Masters of Business Administration at the University of South Australia. Mark is former Deputy Chair and a director with the Space Industry Association of Australia, is the former chair of the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics Adelaide Section.
Nishq Ravindranath, Chief AI Officer at Akula Tech, channels his deep expertise in machine learning and edge AI to revolutionise how intelligence operates beyond Earth. With a strong foundation in software engineering and a drive to integrate AI into mission-critical systems, he leads the development of onboard cognitive payloads for space and defence.
At Akula Tech, Nishq’s innovations power autonomous satellite operations through adaptive, on-orbit learning systems. His team’s proprietary AI models are designed to self-optimise in real time, delivering insights faster than ever before. These capabilities are transforming the way satellites respond to dynamic environments, redefining possibilities in space-based autonomy.
King & Wood Mallesons Partner, Dale Rayner has over 20 years’ experience in asset and structured finance, including issues in relation to space assets.
Dale gained experience at several top tier international law firms as well as many years as a banker in the asset and structured finance team at HSBC Hong Kong. In his banking role, Dale worked on numerous aircraft financings to a number of major airlines. Dale also established leasing platforms in Dubai and Hong Kong and continues to act on such matters in Australia for lessors of equipment and fleet. He acted on the workout of Newsat for the lenders in relation to Australia’s Jabiru satellites. He also represented LawAsia at the UN Working Group developing a model law on personal property securities.
Dr Rodrigo Praino is Professor of Politics and Public Policy and Director of the Jeff Bleich Centre for Democracy and Disruptive Technologies at Flinders University.
He holds a PhD in Political Science and has received several prestigious fellowships, scholarships and awards, including a Fulbright Scholarship. In 2018 he became the first political scientist to win a Tall Poppy Science Award for excellence is scientific research and communication.
Professor Praino is an expert in decision-making and political behaviour, conducting research on elections, voting, and how voters make decisions in a context of low-information. His publications in this area cover a wide range of issues, including the effect of political scandals and corruption, the political behaviour of young voters, the political representation of women, and the role of candidate physical appearance.
Professor Praino is also engaged in research on space politics and space policy. He is particularly interested in understanding and analysing the importance of space assets for defence, economic development, international relations, and decision-making. He is a co-author of Power, State and Space: Conceptualizing, Measuring and Comparing Space Actors (Springer, 2023).
Professor Praino's research has been published by top peer-reviewed academic journals in the Social Sciences, and has attracted funding from various sources, including the Australian Research Council, SmartSat CRC, Defence, the Australian Space Agency, and UNICEF.
Matthew Suntup is a senior engineer at Advanced Navigation, specialising in the deployment and integration of advanced inertial navigation systems (INS) across sectors ranging from space to terrestrial exploration.
Matthew's work is at the forefront of enabling autonomy in GPS-challenged environments. Through his expertise, Advanced Navigation’s INS technologies are integrated into a diverse range of autonomous vehicles, ensuring precise and reliable Guidance, Navigation, and Control (GNC) when traditional forms of navigation fall short of expectations.
With a background in robotics and space engineering, Matthew previously conducted research on planetary rover mobility at NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory and developed a star tracker for the CUAVA-2 satellite.
In 2024, Matthew was honoured with the Australian Space Awards Excellence award, in recognition of his contributions to advancing Australia’s space and technology sectors.
After earning his Bachelor of Engineering from the University of Adelaide, Dr. Matthew delved into cutting-edge research during his PhD at the Space Systems Institute in Stuttgart, Germany. Starting off his career as a systems engineer Matthew engaged in diverse projects spanning defence and non-defence domains.
In 2012, he established Inovor Technologies, driven by a mission to collaborate closely with the defense sector and pioneer advancements in satellite technologies. Inovor is now a leading space and defence technology company based in Adelaide, that specialises in end-to-end satellite mission solutions building satellites of various sizes for a wide range of missions including space domain awareness, Earth imaging, communications, climate science, AgTech, scientific experimentation, and more.
Matthew's excellence in the field of space technology has been acknowledged with prestigious accolades throughout the past years such as Innovator of the Year, Space Business of the Year, and recognition from institutions like the American Chamber of Commerce in Australia. Matt aims to create cutting-edge solutions that address pressing challenges and enhance the quality of life for individuals and communities alike. With Inovor's proactive approach to technological advancement Matthew’s vision is to continuously push the boundaries of space and defence capabilities in Australia.
Ben Sorensen is the Roo-ver Mission and ELO2 Consortium Director, leading Australia’s collaboration between industry, research, and government to undertake Australia’s Mission to the Moon.
The Roo-ver Mission is supported by the Australian Space Agency and will see an Australian-designed and built lunar rover operate on the Moon later this decade. Through this mission, the ELO2 Consortium is strengthening Australia’s space industry by developing and commercialising cutting-edge capabilities in cyber security, AI/ML, robotics, autonomous systems, and other critical national technologies.
Ben has served on boards and committees across public and private sectors, including as a Board Member of the Cybersecurity CRC and Commercial Director at CSIRO’s Data61. At CSIRO, he led strategic collaborations in Enterprise, Defence, and National Security, including partnerships with Defence Primes, DSTG, and DARPA. In 2021, he and his team received the Eureka Prize for Safeguarding Australia.
If you're interested in speaking at the event, please contact Jack via email.
