Julia Talevski
Editor ARN | Reseller News

iiNet founder Michael Malone joins nano-satellite company

News
01 Nov 20183 mins
Industry

Takes on chairman role

iiNet founder, Michael Malone, has been appointed as the chairman for Perth-headquartered satellite company, Sky and Space Global, effective 1 November.

The Australian Securities Exchange listed company (SAS) CEO and managing director, Meir Moalem, said Malone's appointment would be a big plus for Australian investors, putting a stake in the international scene.

"Michael Malone has a lot of experience in the Australian telco sector. We think his appointment will be a big plus for Australian investors and put us on the international map as well. In 2019, we will launch our constellation of 20 satellites that will give us that will give us serious global coverage," Moalem said.

Incumbent chairman, Peter Wall, will transition to role of non-executive director.

Next year, the nano-satellite builder, plans to launch a constellation of 20 satellites following the successful launch of its first three nano-satellites, the 3 Diamonds, in June last year. The company expects to have 200 nano-satellites by 2020.

In a statement to the ASX, Sky and Space Global said Malone's experience, expertise and extensive knowledge will be invaluable to the board and leadership team as it executes its growth strategy.

Malone maintains more than 25 years in the technology and telco arena, founding iiNet in 1993, which was later acquired by TPG for $1.56 billion. He also holds board roles with multiple companies including Speedcast, Superloop, Diamond Cyber and NBN Co.

"I am delighted to join the Sky and Space team and am excited to be playing an active role in this sector," Malone said. "We can reach everyone, everywhere, with voice and data services. There's a fantastic opportunity here to become a world renowned nano-satellite service provider."

In October, Sky and Space Global achieved a new company milestone in completing the critical design review (CDR) for its 'Pearl' nano-satellites, taking a further step in the project's progression towards the construction and integration phase.

The CDR was undertaken by European-based aerospace construction partner GomSpace, which specialises in the construction and testing of bespoke nano-satellites. GomSpace will also undertake the assembly and integration work.

Once this part of the project is completed, the nano-satellites will then pass through final hardware, software and technical assessments and testing, including a final acceptance test before launch.

"Positive results from the CDR validate our technology, support our strategy and reaffirm our goal of providing communication technology to remote geographical locations," Moalem said at the time.

The UK-founded company made its foray into the Australian market via the acquisition of Burleson Energy in December 2015.   

Julia Talevski
Editor ARN | Reseller News

With years of experience covering the latest technology trends and business news across the IT channel, Julia Talevski has been keeping the IT industry connected in Australia and New Zealand. She is currently the editor for ARN and Reseller News, responsible for keeping the community engaged at every touch point through our newsletters, websites and main events such as EDGE, WIICTA and Innovation Awards.

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