Retired US Air Force Lieutenant General and former Deputy Director and Chief Operating Officer of NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory Larry James has been appointed as a strategic advisor to SmartSat. He will also join Monash University as their Professor of Space Innovation.
“Larry James brings an unprecedented depth of space technology, innovation, program management and strategy development experience,” said SmartSat Chief Executive Officer, Professor Andy Koronios. “As strategic advisor with SmartSat, his knowledge and expertise will be instrumental in developing future strategies, fostering partnerships with key stakeholders and enhancing our international space sector relationships.”
Monash University says James will work closely with the faculties of Engineering, IT, and Science. His expertise will add to Monash University’s defence and space research capabilities while continuing to strengthen partnerships. “We are thrilled to welcome Larry James to the University,” said Interim Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research) and Senior Vice-President, Professor Mike Ryan.
James served as Deputy Director and CEO of the NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory for 11 years. During that time he was responsible for managing the Laboratory’s USD2.6 billion in annual revenues and over 6,000-strong staff working in solar system exploration, Mars, astronomy, physics, Earth science, interplanetary network programs, and all business operations.
Prior to retiring from active duty in 2013, James was the US Air Force Deputy Chief of Staff for Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance at the Pentagon. He was responsible to the Secretary and Chief of Staff of the US Air Force for policy formulation, planning, evaluation, oversight, and leadership of intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance capabilities. He oversaw more than 20,000 intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance officers, both enlisted and civilians, across the US Air Force ISR Enterprise.
“The opportunities for Australia’s space sector are huge, and I hope to share my experience and knowledge with the talented teams at both institutions,” said James. “I am also keen to strengthen my connections and share expertise with Defence Space Command and the Australian Space Agency.”
Enrice Palermo, head of the Australian Space Agency, welcomed James’ appointment as an indication of Australia’s important role in the international space sector.
“Space is built on international cooperation, and this appointment builds on Australia’s long-standing space partnership with the United States and NASA,” said Palermo. “James brings a wealth of experience from Jet Propulsion Laboratory, which will help steer and elevate the work of SmartSat CRC and Monash University and drive further growth and investment across Australia’s space industry.”
