Air Vice-Marshal Cath Roberts AO CSC (ret’d) was Australia’s first Space Commander (2021-2023) and brings over 40 years of experience serving in the Royal Australian Air Force as an Aerospace Engineer. AVM Roberts has been known to go to extraordinary levels to test innovations, including parachuting out of an aircraft at 10,000 feet to test a new satellite communication system. AVM Roberts’ experience in defence includes capability analysis, project management, governance, airworthiness and safety, contracting, diplomatic postings and collaborating across defence, government, industry and academia – domestically and internationally.
AVM Roberts has a passion for diversity in STEM and continues to pursue her dream of an Australian Astronaut program to inspire the next generation of Space leaders in Australia. She is a Fellow of Engineers Australia, Member of Australian Institute of Company Directors, member of Australia’s Economic Accelerator Advisory Board, member of Defence SA Advisory Board and was a member of the Australian Space Agency Advisory Board from 2019-2023. In recognition of her achievements, AVM Roberts was awarded a Conspicuous Service Cross for her contribution to Aviation Safety in 2004 and appointed an Officer of the Order of Australia in 2022 for her service as Head Aerospace Systems Division and Head of Air Force Capability.