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AROSE appoints Program Director, Michelle Keegan, as projects for Space and Earth consortium increase

Announcement posted by AROSE 02 Aug 2021

PERTH, AUSTRALIA: The Australian Remote Operations for Space and Earth consortium (AROSE) has appointed Michelle Keegan to the role of Program Director, as project delivery for the organisation is set to increase.

Ms Keegan has over 20 years of mining industry experience, and joins AROSE from her previous position as Program Director Technology Development, and leader of the Next Generation Mine Innovation Program, at South 32.

On joining AROSE, Ms Keegan said she looked forward to bringing her strong strategic and mining experience to the wide range of projects AROSE has in the pipeline.

“It’s very exciting to be joining AROSE and have the opportunity to work across both Earth and Space-based projects - all from Perth,” she said.

AROSE CEO, Leanne Cunnold welcomed Ms Keegan saying:

“I am delighted to welcome Michelle to the AROSE team at this critical point in our growth, as we embark on programs ranging from Remote Operations and Space tech solutions for mining and health companies in Western Australia, to a pilot concept for a Lunar construction rover to support NASA’s missions to the Moon and Mars.”

Ms Cunnold also thanked Goldrick Executive for their generous support in recruiting for this role, and the WA state government for their funding support in establishing the Perth Head Office of AROSE, through the Department of Jobs, Tourism, Science and Innovation.

Ms Keegan is a collaborative leader, who regularly gives time in mentoring and providing opportunities to those early in their careers.  This includes predominantly at Women in Mining WA, Curtin University, and remaining involved with alumni and advisory group activities at the WA School of Mines (WASM). 

She graduated with a Bachelor of Engineering in Mining (Hons) and a Master of Science (Mineral Economics) from Curtin University and is active in the WASM Alumni as Vice President on the Council.   She is also on the MRIWA College Panel and Industry Advisory Board for the Curtin School of Electrical Engineering, Computing and Mathematical Sciences.

ENDS.

About AROSE

AROSE is an industry-led consortium at the forefront of knowledge and technology transfer between Australia’s traditional industry sectors and the burgeoning international Space sector.  With a pioneering spirit, AROSE is unifying Australia’s world leading remote operations capabilities for applications locally, around the world and into Space.  AROSE is forging a path for Australia to play a major role in the Space sector and continue its leadership in Remote Operations by developing high-end, niche expertise and technology to deliver benefits for our economy, workforce and planet.

AROSE was founded in February 2020, borne from the vision of former Woodside Head of Intelligent and Autonomous Systems, Russell Potapinski and former astronaut Col. Pamela Melroy (now Deputy Administrator of NASA).  AROSE is headquartered in Perth thanks to the generous support of the Western Australian government through the Department of Jobs, Tourism, Science and Innovation.