Katherine Bennell-Pegg
2026 Australian of the Year & Astronaut – Katherine Bennell-Pegg is making history as the first Australian to qualify as an astronaut under Australia’s space program, opening pathways for others to follow.
2026 Australian of the Year & Astronaut – Katherine Bennell-Pegg is making history as the first Australian to qualify as an astronaut under Australia’s space program, opening pathways for others to follow.
Katherine graduated from Basic Astronaut Training in 2024 as part of a class of six trained by the European Astronaut Centre in Germany – the first international candidate to do so. She was initially chosen for the program from a field of over 22,500 applicants.
Katherine has harboured ambitions of becoming an astronaut since she was a young child. As a space engineer, she has advanced multiple space missions and technologies. Alongside her career achievements, Katherine is an energetic champion for Australia’s space program, regularly presenting to audiences of schoolchildren and industry leaders to inspire the next generation and create new opportunities.
Katherine Bennell-Pegg is a genuine trailblazer in Australia’s emerging space industry. With her determination and drive to succeed, she is a powerful example for young Australians.
Key Info:
- History-Maker: First astronaut to train and qualify under the Australian flag (April 2024).
- 2026 Australian of the Year: Named in January 2026 for her contributions to the space sector and STEM inspiration.
- Training: Completed 13 months of intensive training with ESA in Germany, selected from 22,500+ applicants.
- Background: Over 15 years of experience in space engineering, including roles at Airbus in Germany, and a background in aerospace engineering and physics.
Key Achievements & Highlights:
- South Australia’s Australian of the Year: Named South Australia’s 2026 Australian of the Year (announced Nov 2025).
- Education: Holds a Bachelor of Engineering (Aeronautical) and Bachelor of Science (Physics) from the University of Sydney, along with dual Master’s degrees in Space Technology and Space Engineering.
- Experience: Worked on major projects including the Orion capsule for Moon missions, debris removal, and Earth observation.
- Honours: Awarded an Honorary Doctor of Engineering from the University of Southern Queensland (2024) and “Sword of Honour” in the Army Reserve.
- STEM Advocacy: Actively involved in mentoring and inspiring the next generation in STEM, including working with LEGO and Play School.
