The former head of Spaceport Cornwall has landed a new job with a space data analytics firm.
Melissa Quinn, who stepped down as head of the UK’s only licensed spaceport at the end of last month, has been appointed as general manager of Slingshot Seradata.
Seradata, which is owned by US parent firm Slingshot Aerospace, compiles a database of satellite launches to provide insights for national governments and businesses operating in the space industry.
Read more: Big interview: Spaceport Cornwall's business boss on the facility's future
Ms Quinn, who will succeed retiring Seradata founder Tim Fuller at the start of July, will be responsible for driving the company’s global expansion, following Slingshot’s acquisition of the business last year.
Slingshot said Ms Quinn had shown “exceptional leadership” throughout her career, having been a part of the team leading the South West space cluster since 2014.
Melanie Stricklan, chief executive of Slingshot Aerospace, said: "Melissa’s pioneering work in establishing the UK's first spaceport, coupled with her passion for space, purpose-driven leadership, aerospace expertise, and strong business acumen, make her an invaluable addition to our team.
“Her dedication to advancing women in tech further aligns with our values and mission. I'm excited about the dynamism she will bring to expanding Seradata's capabilities and broadening Slingshot's global reach."
Ms Quinn said: "I am thrilled to join Slingshot Aerospace because they are at the forefront of revolutionising successful, safe and responsible space operations, which is near and dear to my heart."
"I will build on Tim’s legacy at Seradata, and will further deliver unparalleled insights to our customers, benefiting their operations, and ultimately, all of us here on Earth. That’s why I am here, and that’s why I’m proud to be a Slingshooter.”
Ms Quinn oversaw the first space launch from UK soil at the start of this year, which ended in failure when a Virgin Orbit rocket suffered a fault.
Last month she announced her departure from Spaceport Cornwall, which she described as “one of the hardest decisions of my life”. Spaceport Cornwall has begun the search for Ms Quinn’s replacement, with plans to fill the vacancy over the summer.
In May, Virgin Orbit, a former key partner at Spaceport Cornwall, ceased operations after falling in administration.
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