Lynn McDonald – Space and digital technologies

From the United States, now based in Canberra

“It’s an exciting time in the Australian Space industry and I’m honoured to be part of it!”

Lynn McDonald is a retired US Air Force Colonel who has moved to Canberra to become the Microsoft Azure Space Lead for Australia. This new position will make use of her expertise in satellite operations, space launch, operational test of space programs, space intelligence and systems engineering.

More recent arrivals

Dr Jill Seubert – Space

From the United States

“Australia’s investment in space exploration will generate economic returns that will benefit generations to come.”

Dr Jill Seubert is an interplanetary navigator and a leading expert on astrodynamics and deep space navigation. In her 10 years as a navigator at NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory, Jill has navigated numerous high-profile Mars missions including recently, guiding the Mars Science Mission 2020 to a safe landing on 18 February 2021.

Jill was the recipient of the 2020 NASA Exceptional Public Achievement Medal for her outstanding leadership of the Deep Space Atomic Clock mission.

Joseph O'Leary - Space

From Ireland, now based in Adelaide

“There are tremendous opportunities in Australia’s new and exciting space sector.”

Joseph O’Leary is a research fellow focussing on astrodynamics at EOS Space Systems. He has a background in applied mathematics specialising in developing tools that determine the location of spacecraft orbiting the Earth.

Joseph regularly presents at seminars to encourage aspiring young space enthusiasts to pursue a career in space. Joseph has been awarded the Michael Miller Medal from the University of Adelaide for most outstanding thesis in an academic year, and the Springer PhD Thesis award for publication of an outstanding doctoral dissertation.