In an appointment intended to substantially strengthen Australia’s space sector, Dr Carl Seubert, a Senior Aerospace Engineer at NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) has been appointed as the Chief Research Officer at SmartSat CRC.
Dr Seubert’s appointment will accelerate SmartSat’s R&D program by driving innovation in the space sector and bolstering collaboration between Australian companies and global space organisations.
He has been a key figure in high profile NASA missions including the Perseverance rover landing on Mars in February. Dr Seubert’s expertise and leadership will turbocharge Australia’s space capability as it strives to become a leading player in space exploration.
A graduate in aerospace engineering from the University of Sydney, Dr Seubert has gained international credentials at NASA which will now help him guide SmartSat’s Federal Government $245 million research & development investment program.
Dr Seubert said he was excited to return to Australia at a time when the space industry is set to thrive under the leadership of Australia’s centre of space innovation – SmartSat CRC.
“I am thrilled to be joining the SmartSat team. It will be a privilege and an honour to apply my NASA space engineering and leadership experience back home”, said Dr Seubert.
“I look forward to engaging with world-class academic and industry partners and forging research collaborations to develop technology for Australia’s future space missions. I am passionate about extending Australia’s reach into space and for us to become a renowned space-faring nation.”
SmartSat CEO Professor, Andy Koronios said Dr Seubert’s appointment was a game-changing move for SmartSat and his expertise would benefit the entire Australian space industry.
“We are absolutely delighted to appoint Dr Seubert as SmartSat’s Chief Research Officer. I am particularly pleased to welcome an Aussie back home to help build our space industry” said Professor Koronios.
“Dr Seubert’s impressive career has seen him lead key missions for NASA JPL and win numerous awards for innovation, technical leadership and engineering excellence. His extensive experience at NASA JPL will certainly advance SmartSat.”
The Head of the Australian Space Agency, Mr Enrico Palermo welcomed the appointment of Dr Seubert to SmartSat
“Australians are among the most talented people within in the global space industry and it is terrific to see these strong skills and capability back on home soil,” Mr Palermo said.
“The international connections Dr Seubert will bring to the new role in SmartSat as Chief Research Officer will undoubtedly further develop Australia’s expanding ecosystem of space companies and start-ups.”
Dr Seubert will take up his appointment at SmartSat at the end of May.
