Groundbreaking female Astronaut joins Myriota board

ADELAIDE, South Australia, Feb. 26, 2019 – Myriota today announced that former NASA astronaut and ex-DARPA Deputy Director of the Tactical Technology Office, Pamela Melroy, has joined its board as a non-executive director.

Melroy brings expertise in the global space industry, having spent over 30 years at the forefront of space exploration, including as a shuttle pilot and commander, as well as thousands of hours logged working on multiple space shuttle missions. She began her career as a pilot in the United States Air Force, before joining NASA and becoming the second woman to command a NASA space shuttle mission.

Following a distinguished career at NASA, Melroy held a number of senior roles in private industry and public administration including at the FAA’s Office of Commercial Space Transportation, and DARPA. She is currently Director of Space Technology and Policy for Adelaide-based professional services firm Nova Systems.

Melroy said she was excited to be joining Myriota as it ramps up its efforts to apply space technologies to solve global problems.

“The industrialisation of space is improving the world’s ability to monitor and communicate globally, and is having real world benefits on industries including agriculture and logistics,” she said.

Myriota is a serious player in the diverse and growing global space ecosystem, and I’m excited to be joining its board at a time when the maturity of space as a commercial industry is growing.

Pamela Melroy, NASA Astronaut & Board Member, Myriota

CEO and co-founder of Myriota, Dr Alex Grant, said that the appointment would benefit Myriota and help it towards its goal of creating a constellation of 50 nano-satellites.

As one of only two women to ever command a space shuttle, Pam is used to breaking new ground in space exploration.

Dr Alex Grant, CEO, Myriota

“We’re thrilled to have her join our team at a time when the commercialisation of space is opening up new avenues for entrepreneurial businesses, and enabling us to lower the cost of communication and tracking of remotely located sensors worldwide.”

Myriota is a  company poised to make a big impact on the global IoT industry, and the appointment of Pam Melroy to its board adds a new dimension. Her world-leading space experience, coupled with her time at the FAA and DARPA make her the perfect person to help Myriota navigate the next phase of its global expansion.

Brian Schettler, Managing Director, Boeing HorizonX Ventures

Effective immediately, Melroy joins existing members of Myriota’s board including Chairman Peter Mabson, who is also President of Canadian company ExactEarth Ltd; an early international investor into Myriota.