Update: Space Council Appointments
Date: October 9, 2023
Source: Office of Gov. Bob Ferguson
Bill Pike, the deputy director for science and technology at the Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL), has been appointed to the new Washington Space Council. This council will provide strategic advice to Governor Bob Ferguson on maintaining Washington’s competitive edge in the space industry.
Key Points:
- Membership: The council includes experts from government, academia, industry, and space technology sectors.
- Pike’s Role: He oversees PNNL’s science and technology strategy, investments, and strategic partnerships. Previously, he served as chief science and technology officer for PNNL’s National Security Directorate and led the Computing and Analytics division from 2014 to 2022.
- Background: Pike has been with PNNL since 2005, specializing in visual data analysis, machine learning, and data visualization. He holds a Ph.D. from Pennsylvania State University and a bachelor’s degree from Carleton College.
Governor’s Space Council Goals:
- Competitive Review: The council will assess Washington’s position compared to other leading states and nations in the space sector.
- Barriers and Growth: It aims to identify obstacles hindering growth and evaluate workforce and research needs.
- Infrastructure Needs: The council will explore what infrastructure and capabilities are required for commercial space launches in Washington.
Economic Impact:
- Washington is home to over 90 space companies, employing more than 13,000 workers.
- The space industry contributes approximately $4.6 billion in economic activity and $1.6 billion in annual payroll.
- Notably, about two-thirds of the world’s operational satellites are manufactured in Washington.
Governor Ferguson emphasized the need for innovation and adaptation to keep pace with the rapidly evolving industry. He noted the state’s historical contributions to the space field, such as Boeing workers in Kent who built lunar rovers for the Apollo missions, and highlighted ongoing advancements in various space-related technologies.
For more information on Bill Pike’s background, visit his biography.
