Australia has a new star.
Astronaut, space engineer and STEM ambassador Katherine Bennell-Pegg has been named the 2026 Australian of the Year.
The announcement was made by Prime Minister Anthony Albanese in a ceremony in Canberra this evening.
Katherine is the first astronaut to officially represent Australia and the first Australian woman to receive professional astronaut wings.
The other recipients joining Katherine on stage were:
- 2026 Senior Australian of the Year Professor Henry Brodaty AO
- 2026 Young Australian of the Year Nedd Brockmann
- 2026 Australia’s Local Heroes Frank Mitchell
This incredible honour isn’t mine alone. It belongs to all who have built Australia’s space sector. To the Australian Space Agency. To those that have encouraged and educated me. And especially my family.
I'd also like to acknowledge the Australian Government and the Department of Industry, Science and Resources for supporting my astronaut training, recognising the immense benefits for Australia.
~ 2026 Australian of the Year Katherine Bennell-Pegg
When I received my blue flight suit at the astronaut centre and right there, bright on the shoulder, was our flag, it was quite emotional. It marked something far bigger than myself. It said: That a door has been opened. That Australia now has a place at the forefront of human endeavour. That our Aussie spirit and ingenuity belong where the future is being written. And that future has a place for everyone.
In 2026, as humans return to the Moon, I hope we’ll all look up knowing that there is no aspiration too big for any Australian – or for Australia. Whatever our dreams may be, for our ourselves, our communities, our country and our world.
~ 2026 Australian of the Year Katherine Bennell-Pegg
A true Australian trailblazer
Enrico Palermo, Head of the Australian Space Agency, congratulated Katherine on the milestone and praised her inspiring efforts and expertise that is shaping the Australian space sector and the next generation workforce.
Katherine’s recognition as the 2026 Australian of the Year is a powerful reminder to defy limits because Australia’s future is filled with discovery, opportunity, and hope.
Our team at the Australian Space Agency couldn’t be prouder of Katherine. This award is a well-deserved honour for a true Australian trailblazer.
~ Enrico Palermo, Head of the Australian Space Agency.
Representing curiosity, courage and bold ambition
Katherine is a Director at the Australian Space Agency, a reservist Group Captain in the Royal Australian Air Force, and a highly regarded space engineer. Her career has taken her around the globe, contributing to human spaceflight, space exploration, space robotics, and Earth science missions and technologies — work that underpins the satellites, data and systems Australians rely on every day.
In April 2024, after graduating from the European Space Agency’s astronaut training program, Katherine became eligible for missions to the International Space Station and beyond.
Since returning from Europe, one of Katherine's key responsibilities has been to open more doors for the national space sector by showcasing its potential to the world as well as bringing her knowledge, connections and insights home.
As part of her work at the Agency, is inspiring the next generation to pursue a career in the fields of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics.
In November 2025, our Aussie astronaut was named Australian of the Year for South Australia.
Meet Katherine Bennell-Pegg
Learn more about the first person qualified as an astronaut under the Australian flag.
