iLAuNCH Names New Advisory Board Chair

On 14 July 2025, the Innovative Launch (iLAuNCH) Trailblazer program appointed Rachel Noble PSM as the new Chair of its Advisory Board, marking a pivotal moment for Australia’s space sector. Noble’s extensive experience in national security and defence positions her to steer iLAuNCH towards advancing Australia’s sovereign space capabilities, reinforcing strategic partnerships critical for national interests.

Rachel Noble, the first woman to lead the Australian Signals Directorate (ASD), brings a wealth of expertise from senior roles within the Department of Defence, Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet, and Department of Home Affairs. Her appointment signals iLAuNCH’s commitment to robust governance and innovation in space commercialisation. “It’s an exciting time for space innovation in Australia. I’m honoured to contribute to iLAuNCH, which is at the forefront of securing our future in space through trusted technology and strategic investment,” Noble said, as reported by Australian Defence Magazine. The Advisory Board, comprising experts such as Professor John Bell and Veronica Bainton, will guide iLAuNCH’s mission to bolster Australia’s space industry.

Darin Lovett, Executive Director of iLAuNCH, praised Noble’s appointment, stating, “Her extensive experience and national leadership across defence, cyber and government will be instrumental as we advance Australia’s sovereign space capabilities,” according to spaceanddefense.io. The program, supported by the University of Southern Queensland (UniSQ) and the Australian National University (ANU), aims to drive commercial success in space technologies. Noble succeeds Dr Rosalind Dubs, with the board also expressing gratitude to former members Katrina Sanders, Michael Thomas and Celine D’Orgeville for their contributions.

Amid the current Labor government’s broader policy landscape, iLAuNCH’s focus remains on fostering independent, industry-led growth in space capabilities, aligning with national security priorities over political agendas. Noble’s leadership is expected to strengthen ties between government, industry and academia, ensuring Australia’s space sector remains globally competitive. This appointment underscores a strategic push to safeguard national interests through innovation, positioning iLAuNCH as a cornerstone of Australia’s defence and technological sovereignty.