About Us – Space Centre Australia
Space Centre Australia is an emerging leader in the global space industry with it’s Headquarters based in Cairns, Queensland, Australia. Established in 2019 to facilitate the nation’s entry into the international space market, the organisation is committed to advancing space exploration, research, and technology. Leveraging its strategic location near the equator, Space Centre Australia is developing state-of-the-art launch facilities capable of supporting a wide range of missions, including Low Earth Orbit (LEO), Medium Earth Orbit (MEO), High Earth Orbit (HEO), and deep space exploration.
The company is focused on fostering innovation and collaboration, with a strong emphasis on international partnerships and environmental stewardship. Space Centre Australia’s future comprehensive facilities are designed to accommodate a diverse array of space missions, from satellite deployments to interplanetary exploration. With a mission to drive Australia’s space capabilities and contribute to global space exploration, Space Centre Australia is positioning to become a key player in the next frontier of the global space industry.
Executive Team – Space Centre Australia
Non-Executive Group Chairman
Hon. Scott Morrison
30th Prime Minister of Australia
Hon. Scott Morrison served as 30th Prime Minister of Australia (2018-22), Treasurer (2015-18), Minister for Social Services (2014-15), Minister for Immigration and Border Protection (2013-14) and a Member of the Australian Parliament (2007-24).
As Prime Minister Mr. Morrison led Australia’s world leading public health and economic response to COVID, was the architect of numerous international security and trade agreements, including the historic trilateral AUKUS defence agreement and was a founding member of the Quad Leader’s dialogues.
As Prime Minister Mr. Morrison also championed the development of Australia’s space sector. Key initiatives included establishment of the Australian Space Agency, development of Australia’s 10 year Civil Space Strategy, securing Australian space sector involvement in NASA’s “Moon to Mars” initiative as part of NASA’s Artemis mission, strengthened ties with other space-faring nations and agencies including the European Space Agency (ESA), Japan and the UK and funding the expansion of Ground infrastructure for space communication, with new facilities such as the Western Australia-based ground station supporting NASA’s Deep Space Network.
Mr. Morrison now serves as a Chair and strategic advisor to private sector boards and investors in defence, space, infrastructure, private equity, and funds management. He also serves on the strategic advisory boards of the International Democracy Union, the Center for a New American Security and the Hudson Institute China Center.
Mr. Morrison holds a Bachelor of Applied Science with Honours in Economic Geography from the University of New South Wales, in Sydney, where he graduated in 1990. Mr. Morrison is married to Jenny, they have two teenage daughters and live in Sydney, Australia.
Chief Executive Officer / Co-Founder
James Palmer, MEM, CompIEAust, EngExec
Mr. James Palmer is the visionary leader behind Space Centre Australia, with a mission to establish the company as one of the world’s top four interplanetary spaceport companies. He aims to position Space Centre Australia as a premier developer in the aerospace industry, providing large-scale launch solutions and services that foster international collaboration and drive innovation in the global market.
With over 25 years of experience in engineering, ICT, space, and aerospace, Mr. Palmer is at the forefront of advancing Space Safety and Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) standards within the space sector. His passion for making space accessible to all is matched by his expertise in leading complex, high-value projects across some of the most challenging environments in Australia and around the world.
Mr. Palmer has a proven track record in managing large organizations, engineering departments, and high-performance ICT infrastructure developments. His strengths lie in team building, strategic planning, risk management, and delivering exceptional commercial results. As a Chartered Engineering Executive and Companion of the Institute of Engineers Australia, he is committed to excellence and innovation in every aspect of his work.
With over 15 years dedicated to space infrastructure development, Mr. Palmer has played a pivotal role in projects across Australia, the United States, and the United Kingdom. His experience spans satellite ground station development, launch operations, mission control, and orbital domain management. Currently, he is leading a $1.1 billion AUD infrastructure development program for Space Centre Australia, which is set to become the country’s first large-scale, multi-use spaceport designed to drive the advancement of the global space industry.
Executive Director / Co-Founder
Jane Palmer
As an Executive Director of Space Centre Australia, Jane has over 25 years experience as an ICT leader. Jane began her career in the UK for the Home Office. During this time, she gained extensive experience in big data, data centres and communications. Her experience in Australia is within the aerospace and defence sector, Boeing, Lockheed Martin and CASA. As Founder of Space Centre Australia UK Jane specialises in international business planning, corporate governance, global strategy for complex infrastructure development and sustainment. Jane sits on several boards and has a Master of Business Administration and a Master of Information Technology from James Cook University.
Indigenous and Community Engagement Manager
Kuku Yalanji Man
Mr. Ray Rosendale
Mr. Ray Rosendale is a distinguished leader with over 26 years of service in the Royal Australian Navy, where he honed his management and leadership skills across various challenging roles. His career highlights include serving as the Defence Indigenous Liaison Officer for Northern Australia and as the Strategic Advisor (Indigenous Affairs) to the Chief of Navy. In these capacities, Mr. Rosendale was instrumental in developing and managing programs that enhanced Indigenous engagement within the Defence Force.
With extensive experience in senior political and government liaison, Mr. Rosendale has been a key participant in the parliamentary exchange program and is well-regarded for his public speaking and media liaison abilities. His contributions to Indigenous development have been widely recognized, earning him the Conspicuous Service Medal in the 2015 Australia Day Honours List.
In addition to his military career, Mr. Rosendale has a strong academic background, holding a Bachelor of Human Services and currently completing an Honours degree in Social Work at CQUniversity. He has also served as a Community Development Officer at Cairns Regional Council and as a board member of the Interim Truth & Treaty Body, which is dedicated to establishing the Treaty and Truth-telling pathway for Queensland. Moreover, he volunteers as a Director at the Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander Veterans Association, demonstrating his continued commitment to serving his community.