posted 07-11-2023 04:58 PM               

Australian Space Stalwart Remembered

Tributes have flowed for former Space Association of Australia president Peter Aylward, who passed away in Melbourne last week (July 5, 2023) after a valiant battle with cancer. He was 65.

Mr. Aylward was a passionate advocate for the establishment of an Australian space agency and the development of a vibrant space industry in this country. He was also tireless in promoting the unsung heroes of the Australian space tracking community by drawing attention to our country's vital role in some of the greatest missions of NASA's "Golden Era", from 1961 to 1972.

Mike Dinn, the former deputy director of the Honeysuckle Creek Tracking Station (famous for broadcasting some of the first images from the moon during the Apollo 11 moonwalk), and former director of the Canberra Deep Space Communication Complex, said Mr. Aylward was "a great influencer on the Australian space scene". "It was a privilege to have known him," Mr. Dinn said. "It's a great loss to all of us."

Mr. Aylward was an active Space Association of Australia member for over 30 years and served as president for the past nine years. "Peter's passion, commitment, and creative contributions have been the driving force in shaping the success and growth of the association for more than a decade," acting SAA president Michael Abdilla said. "The many hours Peter dedicated to organizing and executing our events and activities, including the opportunity to meet astronauts, moonwalkers and Australian space-tracking legends, have left an indelible mark on our association and its members."

During his time as president, Mr. Aylward had the honour of recording interviews with Apollo 13 astronaut Fred Haise, Apollo 16 astronaut and moonwalker Charlie Duke, Apollo 17 astronaut and moonwalker Gene Cernan, and most recently Skylab 2 astronaut Dr Joe Kerwin.

Mr. Aylward's love of spaceflight extended to aviation. Eight years ago he made the change from working in the software industry to flying the skies as cabin crew for Virgin Australia, eventually becoming a cabin supervisor. "Peter was a loved and passionate human being, with a zest for life, aviation and all things space," a colleague said. "I know he will be missed by all who came into contact with him."

Mr. Aylward is survived by his wife Julie, and their children Clark, Martin and Kate. A loving husband and father, and a steadfast friend, he will be greatly missed by his family, and the space community in Australia and around the world.