Virgin Galactic Chief Operating Officer Enrico Palermo, who will take a new role as head of the Australian Space Agency in 2021. Image supplied.

Virgin Galactic’s Chief Operating Officer Enrico Palermo has been named as the incoming head of the Australian Space Agency.

According to a joint announcement from Minister for Industry, Science and Technology Karen Andrews and the Prime Minister, Mr. Palermo will replace inaugural Head Dr Megan Clark at the end of the year.

Dr. Clark will step into the role of chair of the Australian Space Agency Advisory Board in the new year, according to the announcement.

Ms. Andrews said that background and skillset reflects the reality of the contemporary space sector.

“The Australian space sector continues to expand at the speed of light, and I look forward to working closely with Mr Palermo to capitalise on the opportunities for Australian businesses and manufacturers in the space industry,” she said.

“I know he will build on the solid foundation of Dr Clark, who saw the Agency through lift off – establishing the Agency headquarters in Adelaide, modernising the space legislation framework to ensure safe operations and securing agreements with international space agencies and companies.”

Stay up to date by getting stories like this delivered to your mailbox.
Sign up to receive our free weekly Spatial Source newsletter.