Former NASA deputy administrator joins Gilmour Space board, boosting Australia’s sovereign defence space ambitions

Colonel Melroy brings more than three decades of experience spanning military aviation, defence technology, civil space and commercial aerospace. Her career includes senior leadership at NASA during a period of accelerating space competition, expanding commercial space activity and increased focus on space as a critical domain for national security.

A former United States Air Force combat pilot and NASA astronaut, Melroy is one of only two women to have commanded a Space Shuttle mission. Her extensive background in aerospace operations, defence strategy and space systems provides Gilmour Space with significant expertise as Australia seeks to develop a more resilient and independent space industrial base.

Her appointment comes at a time when access to space is becoming increasingly important for modern defence operations, including intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR), secure communications, navigation, missile warning, battlefield awareness and resilient military command and control.

As strategic competition intensifies across the Indo-Pacific, Australia is increasingly focused on reducing vulnerabilities created by dependence on overseas space infrastructure and strengthening sovereign capabilities that can support the Australian Defence Force during periods of crisis or conflict.

Gilmour Space CEO and co-founder Adam Gilmour said Melroy’s defence and aerospace experience would be critical as the company expands its contribution to Australia’s space ecosystem.

“Pam is one of the most respected leaders in the global aerospace industry. Her experience across government, defence and commercial space will be invaluable as we continue building sovereign capability in Australia and expanding our presence internationally,” Gilmour said.

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The company is developing sovereign Australian capabilities across launch vehicles, satellites, advanced manufacturing and space infrastructure, with potential applications spanning commercial, government and defence missions.

Melroy said Australia’s ability to access and operate in space would be increasingly important for both national security and economic resilience.

“As access to space becomes increasingly important for economic growth, technological leadership and national security, I believe Gilmour Space is well positioned to play a meaningful role in Australia’s future and the global space economy,” she said.

The appointment reinforces the broader shift within Australia’s defence sector towards recognising space as a warfighting domain alongside land, sea, air and cyber. Developing domestic launch capability, satellite manufacturing and space infrastructure could provide Australia with greater strategic autonomy and improve resilience against disruption to critical services.

For the Australian Defence Force, a stronger domestic space sector could support future requirements, including sovereign satellite communications, persistent surveillance, rapid launch capability, space domain awareness and improved integration with allied space networks.

Gilmour Space operates Bowen Orbital Spaceport in North Queensland, Australia’s first licensed orbital launch facility, positioning the company as a potential contributor to Australia’s long-term defence space architecture.

With governments increasingly viewing space access as a strategic capability rather than simply a commercial opportunity, the appointment of a former senior NASA and US Air Force leader signals growing confidence in Australia’s ability to build a credible sovereign space and defence industrial base.

Stephen Kuper

Steve has an extensive career across government, defence industry and advocacy, having previously worked for cabinet ministers at both Federal and State levels.