Equatorial Launch Australia has announced Nina Patz as its new Head of Business Development
Nina Patz
Adelaide, Australia, September 5, 2024 - Equatorial Launch Australia (ELA) has announced Nina Patz as its new Head of Business Development. Nina’s appointment adds to the company’s senior commercial team as it approaches its next scheduled launches commencing in mid-2025 with South Korean rocket company, Innospace.
The role will be pivotal in developing customized launch contracts including launch, engine testing, payload and mission management, mission planning, and launch support services for international NewSpace commercial rocket companies looking to launch from Arnhem Space Center (ASC). Patz will also proactively identify and lead the conversion of commercial opportunities globally.
The ASC’s geographical and remote location provides an attractive option for global launch vehicle companies requiring access to space. Furthermore, the site provides a full-service spaceport solution and the ability to reach all orbits. Likewise, the growing groundswell of international interest in the Australian Space sector and the recent advances, including ratifying the Technology Safeguards Agreement with the United States, are channelling rocket companies towards Australia that consider launching from the ASC.
ELA Group CEO, Michael Jones, welcomed Nina to the team saying, “As ELA continues its schedule of discussions with international rocket companies, we are happy to announce the appointment of Nina to help drive that process and to ensure we fill out our launch schedule through to the end of the decade.” The CEO also added, “Nina will work closely with our growing customer base to close out contracts we’ve been negotiating for some time and then help us deliver launch and spaceport services tailored to our customers’ mission requirements.”
Similarly, Patz commented, “I am grateful to get this opportunity to work with a fantastic organisation such as ELA. I look forward to building ELA’s customer base as we build the spaceport of the future in northern Australia.”
