GOLD COAST, Australia — Australian aerospace company Gilmour Space has officially appointed former NASA Deputy Administrator, astronaut, and retired US Air Force Colonel Pamela Melroy to its Board of Directors.
The appointment further strengthens Gilmour’s leadership as the company actively scales its launch, satellite, and spaceport capabilities for global markets.
“I’m excited to join Gilmour Space at such an important stage of its journey. The team is building a genuinely critical sovereign capability for Australia, with ambitions that extend well beyond launch,”
– Col. (Ret.) Pamela Melroy
A Decorated Career in Aerospace Leadership
Col. (Ret.) Melroy brings more than three decades of leadership across civil, defense, and commercial aerospace to the board.
Most recently, she served as the Deputy Administrator of NASA, helping guide the agency through a period of significant growth and innovation. She is also a former astronaut and one of only two women to have ever commanded a Space Shuttle mission.
Her appointment follows the addition of international business leader Paco Ybarra to the Board last year, marking another major step in Gilmour’s strategic corporate growth.
Expanding Sovereign Capabilities and International Presence
“Pam is one of the most respected leaders in the global aerospace industry. Her experience across government, defence, and commercial space will be invaluable as we continue building sovereign capability in Australia and expanding our presence internationally. We are proud to welcome her to the Board and look forward to her guidance as we enter our next phase of growth.”
– Adam Gilmour, CEO and Co-founder of Gilmour Space
Backed by leading institutional, venture, and private investors, Gilmour Space is building sovereign Australian capabilities across launch vehicles, satellites, advanced manufacturing, and spaceport operations.
The company operates the Bowen Orbital Spaceport in North Queensland, which stands as Australia’s first licensed orbital launch site.
A Long-Term Commitment to the Space Economy
Reflecting on her new role, Col. (Ret.) Melroy noted the company’s broad operational ambitions that extend beyond manufacturing rockets.
“It’s been impressive to see the company’s willingness to tackle some of the most challenging aspects of the space sector, from launch vehicles and satellites to the infrastructure needed to support them. Building these capabilities takes patience, technical excellence, and long-term commitment. As access to space becomes increasingly important for economic growth, technological leadership, and national security, I believe Gilmour Space is well positioned to play a meaningful role in Australia’s future and the global space economy.”
– Col. (Ret.) Pamela Melroy