Southern Launch has appointed Rob Baker to fulfil the newly created General Manager – Launch & Test role.
Baker brings with him 21 years of experience from the Defence Science and Technology Group. His experience and knowledge include weapons modelling and simulation, probabilistic range safety methodology and implementation, and active protection systems for armoured vehicles. Rob has worked closely with Defence during his career delivering range safety advice for rocket and missile testing activities, deployments to Afghanistan, advising Special Operations Command and leading research programs focused on protecting Australian soldiers and vehicles.
Baker is passionate about leadership, building strong diverse teams and helping people succeed. “Coming on board with Southern Launch is a great opportunity to work with a great team on exciting projects and break new ground in the space domain.”
Lloyd Damp, Southern Launch CEO said, “Rob brings with him the breadth of knowledge regarding rocket range safety and rocket modelling and simulation. The recent announcement of ADISCA and bringing Rob into the team aligns with Southern Launch’s increasing capability to support Australia’s strategic space and defence ambitions.”
The addition of Baker is not the only recent growth Southern Launch has experienced. The team behind Australia’s only licenced spaceport has recently hired:
- Farisha Jamal into the role of Avionics Engineer, previously with Boeing as a Design Engineer
- Peter Bailey as a Port Lincoln-based Trade Assistant, bringing years of Mechanical Trade experience
Southern Launch is currently recruiting for additional roles within their engineering and projects teams to further increase their personnel prior to the upcoming space rocket launches from the Whalers Way Orbital Launch Complex, located in South Australia.
