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Air Vice-Marshal Cath Roberts has officially handed over command of Defence Space Command to Major General Greg Novak at a ceremony at Space Command headquarters in Canberra.
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As the Australian Defence Force’s first Space Commander, AVM Roberts has set a strong foundation for Defence Space Command as part of the integrated force.
“Serving as the inaugural Defence Space Commander has been a privilege. I’m most proud of the progress we have made in defining a whole new space career pathway, with our budding and talented space workforce being recognised as space professionals,” said AVM Roberts.
“I would like to thank all of you who have been part of this journey so far and for everything you have given to make Defence Space Command what it is today.
“I confidently hand over the command to Major General Novak, who will lead the command to maximise space power for the integrated force and oversee implementation of DSR space priorities.”
The Australian Defence Force integrated tri-service headquarters is tasked with strategic space planning, traffic management, space-based communications, intelligence and navigation, design, construction, maintenance and operation of space facilities.
Australia is a participant of the Combined Space Operations initiative, involving the sharing of information relating to space and acting as a key force multiplier for all the countries involved.
Earlier this year, in July, Space Command was formally shifted from operating within the Air Force to being within the ADF’s Joint Capabilities Group.
The move, revealed as part of the Defence Strategic Review into the military, came as part of a wider shake-up that stepped up plans to have the newly formed No. 1 Space Surveillance Unit (1SSU) assume operation of Defence’s space domain awareness capabilities.
The federal government aimed the combined changes to “increase the importance” of Space Command and allow it to integrate better with other branches of the military.
Unlike RAAF, JCG supports Defence by providing “enabling capabilities”, including logistics support, health services, and military education and training.
The chief of Joint Capabilities, Lieutenant General John Frewen, speaking at the time, said: “Space is a critical element of the integrated force for every ADF operation, deployed and at home – from satellite communications, precision-guided weapons, situational awareness in the battlespace, and position, navigation and timing.
“Our top priority is building and sustaining a trained Defence space workforce with defined career pathways.
“As our newest domains, the space and cyber domains have similar workforce challenges with new and unique career pathways. This is our opportunity to develop strong, resilient and fit-for-purpose workforces in these emerging domains.”
