EOS recognised with three major space awards

James Bennett crowned Scientist of the Year in the 2020 Space Connect Australian Space Industry Awards.

Congratulations to the EOS Space Systems team scooping three major awards at the inaugural Space Connect, Australian Space Industry Awards held on 19 November 2020.

Well done to:

• James Bennett (Head of Technology Development), Scientist of the Year;
• Alex Pollard (Software Group Leader), Engineer of the Year, and
• The ENTIRE team crowned Business of the Year - Large.

James Bennett, Head of Technology Development, was recognised for his work in his previous role as Astrodynamics Group Leader. James planned the direction and development of algorithms and software for a variety of applications in space sciences, primarily focusing on improving Space Domain Awareness (SDA) and the capability of tracking Earth-orbiting space debris. Read more about James.

Alex Pollard, Software Group Leader, was commended on his expertise in Interdisciplinary Systems Engineering; the practice of integrating complex systems across engineering fields such as thermodynamics, materials science, mechanical design, and control systems such as electronics and software. Read more about Alex.

Speaking of the team’s big win, Craig Smith CEO for EOS Space Systems said:

“What a great day for the Australian Space Industry when an Australian company like EOS can go up against Boeing in a competition and win.

This award recognises 35 years of providing leadership in the Australian Space Industry and EOS is growing faster now than any time in our history. EOS is also embarking on the most ambitious Australian satellite manufacture project ever for our SpaceLink Mid–Earth Orbit communications satellite business.

The award recognises our customers who trust us and our partners and suppliers who we rely on and are beneficiaries of any success we may have. But mostly this award recognises all of the dedicated staff at EOS who contribute so much and make this success possible.”

The emotion from the team was palpable, clear to the event’s MC, Logie Award winning actor and writer, Rob Carlton, who commented after Craig Smith’s victory speech:

“I don’t know about you. I got chills up my spine, that sense of leaning forward, that sense of celebration within that team. [Referring to the upcoming SpaceLink project] And that sense of ‘we have got so much to do over these next four years’. He [Craig] looks like he’s got that team to do it with him and with the support of this industry I certainly wish them all the best.”

The team held their own special event to mark the big occasion, watching virtually at EOS' Canberra headquarters with a live link-up to the in-person event held in Sydney.

A full list of winners and information on the award criteria can be found here.

Relive the winning moments, watch the recording of the live-stream here.

Refer to the following timestamps: Alex Pollard, Engineer of the Year: 1:16; James Bennett, Scientist of the Year: 1:55; Business of the Year, Large: 2:11.