Our Aussie astronaut Katherine Bennell-Pegg, has been shaping our sector and inspiring the next generation to reach for the stars.
Tonight, the trailblazer was named South Australia's 2026 Australian of the Year.
The honour recognises Katherine's passion to champion our space industry, encourage young Australians, and showcase why space matters.
Joining Katherine on the podium tonight were:
- Chloe Wyatt-Jasper, a 16-year-old mental health advocate and South Australia’s next Young Australian of the Year
- Malcolm Benoy, meteorological researcher and South Australia’s Senior Australian of the Year
- Ayesha Fariha Safdar, community leader and recipient of the Local Hero Award
Katherine is the first astronaut qualified under the Australian flag, who is using her platform to inspire the next generation to pursue a career in the fields of space and STEM, as well as promote the importance of space to our everyday lives.
"Curiosity and potential have no postcode and no gender, but talent is everywhere and aspiration can be, if we foster that confidence."
~ Katherine Bennell-Pegg
Katherine's reflections on becoming an Australian of the Year recipient
I'm very honoured to receive this recognition alongside incredible South Australians.
Like an astronaut in space, I couldn't do what I do without a support crew behind me. This is also for my family, educators, past and present teammates, especially the team at the Australian Space Agency, and all those who have worked to grow Australia's space sector over many decades. Thank you.
I'd like to acknowledge the Australian Government, the Department of Industry Science and Resources and the Agency for supporting my astronaut training, recognising the immense benefits for Australia.
So much remains to be discovered and that's what excites me. We are a tiny speck in a universe we are only just beginning to comprehend. I get up every day with the drive to play my part in helping humanity reach its potential — exploring space to better support the Earth, and each other. And for Australia to be part of this endeavour too.
Australia — and Australians — are capable of so much more than we trust ourselves to be. I hope to encourage everyone to imagine what we could achieve, what problems we could solve, what we could discover, if we back ourselves and each other in science and tech like we do in sport. Whether in the classroom, in our labs, hospitals, remote industries — and even in space.
For the love of ideas, with courage to aspire, and with empowerment to know that we can do hard, important things.
Latest from the Australian space sector
Latest from the Australian space sector
Credit for all image used in this story: NADC/Salty Dingo