Lieutenant General (Retired) Larry James, a former senior leader with NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) and a retired lieutenant general with the US Air Force, has been appointed as Strategic Advisor to the SmartSat CRC.
He is also to join Monash University as Professor of Space Innovation.
“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 Lt Gen James. “I am also keen to strengthen my connections and share expertise with Defence Space Command and the Australian Space Agency.”
“At such a critical time for our sector, I am looking forward to contributing to the growth of Australia’s space capabilities and advancing the US-Australia partnership.”
Lt Gen James served as Deputy Director and Chief Operating Officer of JPL for 11 years, where he was responsible for managing the Laboratory’s $2.6 billion in annual revenues.
Prior to retirement from active duty in 2013, Lt Gen James was the US Air Force Deputy Chief of Staff for Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance at the Pentagon.
“Lt Gen James brings an unprecedented depth of space technology, innovation, program management and strategy development experience,” said SmartSa’s CEO, 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.”
At Monash, Lt Gen James will work with the faculties of Engineering, IT and Science to Monash University’s defence and space research capabilities and strengthen partnerships.
“We are thrilled to welcome Lt Gen James to the University. Monash is home to the world’s first Indigenous space academy — National Indigenous Space Academy (NISA) — which supports First Nations students to intern at NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory, where Lt Gen James has strong links,” said Interim Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research) and Senior Vice-President, Professor Mike Ryan.
“We look forward to Lt Gen James’ valuable contributions to boost our space research capabilities, and to support Indigenous Australians’ careers in space.”
