Australia offers astronaut Katherine Bennell-Pegg for space mission to International Space Station
Summary
The Australian government has offered the European Space Agency a chance to send astronaut Katherine Bennell-Pegg to the International Space Station in 2028. This mission would be the first spaceflight under the Australian flag, supported by public and private funding efforts.Key Facts
- Katherine Bennell-Pegg is an Australian astronaut and director at the Australian Space Agency.
- Bennell-Pegg completed astronaut training with the European Space Agency in 2024.
- She would be the first astronaut to fly under the Australian flag, though other Australians have flown as U.S. citizens.
- The mission is planned for 2028 and involves cooperation between Australia and the European Space Agency.
- The Australian government, philanthropists, and state governments are collaborating to fund the mission, which is costly.
- Philanthropists have pledged over $6 million in cash and support, including donations from Dick Smith and Jim Whalley.
- South Australia and its premier support the mission, highlighting its potential to inspire young people in science and technology.
- The Australian Space Agency spent $466,000 to fund Bennell-Pegg’s astronaut training in Germany.
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