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The team of professionals chosen to lead the new Innovative Launch, Automation, Novel Materials, Communications and Hypersonics (iLAuNCH) project includes a veteran of the space industry, an accomplished aerospace engineer and a top space management expert.
The $180 million iLAuNCH consortium, which is headed by University of Southern Queensland and includes the Australian National University, the University of South Australia and 21 industry organisations, aims to increase Australia’s sovereign space capabilities by identifying critical gaps and advancing several key technological areas.
It is financed by $50 million from the Australian Government’s groundbreaking Trailblazer Universities Program, which has a budget of $362.5 million.
Darin Lovett, who has a distinguished experience in space and defence, will take over as executive director of iLAuNCH.
Lovett, previously the Director Space for the South Australian Space Industry Centre, has first entered the industry as a flight test engineer with the Air Force.
Among the many positions he has had over his varied career include senior manager at Boeing Phantom Works International and chief of strategy for the executive agent for space at the US Department of Defence..
Lovett said, “iLAuNCH will help unite Australia’s world-class institutions, organisations, and companies in achieving a common goal – to propel the country’s space industry forwards.
“Australia is on the cusp of creating a sustainable space ecosystem and this program will pave the way for viable exports in a globally competitive market.”
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Milica Symul, an expert in space, and Joni Sytsma, an expert in aerospace, will work alongside Lovett at iLAuNCH in the capacities of chief operating officer and chief technology officer, respectively.
The advisory board will be headed by Rosalind Dubs, a former member of the Space Industry Innovation Council and chair of the SmartSat CRC.
Symul holds a PhD in physics and has experience in strategic planning and commercialisation from her work at the ANU Institute for Space and other universities around the nation.
She previously served as Associated Director of the RMIT Space Industry Hub, where she was in charge of the commercialisation and expansion of the Victorian space industry.
iLAuNCH CTO Sytsma, who grew up in Florida near NASA’s Kennedy Space Centre, graduated with a PhD in 2013.
Sytsma has worked at prestigious aerospace organisations such the US Air Force Laboratory, Defense Science and Technology Group, Gilmour Space Technologies, and Department 13.
Teams will work on improving the nation’s automation capabilities, communication technology and utilisation of innovative materials through iLAuNCH.
By accelerating the construction of rockets, launch facilities and quick satellite manufacture, they will also play a crucial part in expanding the Australian space manufacturing industry.
The programme is expected to improve the economy of the nation to over $3.65 billion through the deliberate expansion of the space sector.
The program’s extensive outreach, education, and training initiatives will aid in developing the next generation of business professionals.
By converting research findings into marketable products, its commercialisation branch will both strengthen Australia’s space capability and establish a sector that can export goods to other countries.
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Source: University of Southern Queensland
Jaw de Guzman is the content producer for Comms Room, a knowledge platform and website aimed at assisting the communications industry and its professionals.
