ESA Offers Australian Astronaut Katherine Bennell-Pegg a Seat to the ISS
The European Space Agency has offered the Australian government a mission slot for astronaut Katherine Bennell-Pegg on a future flight to the International Space Station.
Astronaut Mission Offer and Funding
The European Space Agency (ESA) has extended an offer to the Australian government for a spot on an upcoming ISS mission for Katherine Bennell-Pegg, Australia's first qualified astronaut.
Astrophysicist Danail Obreschkow stated that accepting the offer would require financial support from crowdfunding, industry, and government, with potential costs estimated in the range of a hundred million dollars.
A spokesperson for Federal Science Minister Tim Ayres confirmed ongoing discussions with ESA regarding the matter but did not guarantee government funding.
National Recognition
Katherine Bennell-Pegg was named the 2026 Australian of the Year.
Mark Fraser AO CVO, CEO of the National Australia Day Council, stated that Bennell-Pegg is "forging new frontiers for Australians in space engineering, research and exploration" and that her work impacts both future space endeavors and everyday life through research and development.
"She is forging new frontiers for Australians in space engineering, research and exploration." — Mark Fraser AO CVO
Astronaut Background and Training
Bennell-Pegg is recognized as the first Australian to qualify as an astronaut under Australia's space program.
She completed Basic Astronaut Training in 2024 alongside a class of six candidates, trained by the European Astronaut Centre in Germany. She was the first international candidate to undertake this training and was selected from over 22,500 applicants.
Prior to her astronaut qualification, she worked as a space engineer, contributing to multiple space missions and technologies.
Public Outreach and University Visit
Bennell-Pegg, who is based at Lot Fourteen at the Australian Space Agency in South Australia, has been conducting public outreach to promote STEM careers.
During a visit to Monash University's Clayton campus, she toured the Monash Makerspace and met with students.
Statements from the Visit
Bennell-Pegg stated that she has wanted to be an astronaut since childhood and emphasized the importance of sharing her journey. She noted emerging opportunities in Australia's space sector and described the space technology developed at Monash as impressive and contributing to industry growth.
"I have wanted to be an astronaut since childhood, and sharing that journey is important. The space technology developed at Monash is impressive."
Monash Chancellor Megan Clark stated that Bennell-Pegg's visit inspires students and connects them to space career realities. Clark added that the university aims to shift Australia from participating in the global space sector to helping shape its future.
Larry James, professor of practice in space innovation at Monash, said space capabilities permeate many aspects of life and that the university is leading in multiple areas.
National Indigenous Space Academy (NISA)
During her visit, Bennell-Pegg's activities included engagement with the National Indigenous Space Academy (NISA), a Monash-led initiative that supports First Nations students in space-related careers.
NISA Details
- Chris Lawrence stated the program strengthens global capability while broadening participation.
- 2025 NISA participant Keira Moran completed a 10-week placement at NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory. She stated the experience demonstrated that there is a place for First Nations people in the global space industry.
- Since 2023, NISA has supported Indigenous STEM students with backing from the Australian Space Agency, CSIRO, the Andy Thomas Foundation, and Boeing.
- The Monash event included a Welcome to Country by Carolyn Briggs and a student panel discussion.
"The experience demonstrated that there is a place for First Nations people in the global space industry." — Keira Moran, NISA participant