An Aussie astronaut is a step closer to becoming the first person sent into space to directly represent Australia.
Katherine Bennell-Pegg could be the first person to wear an Australian flag on their space suit if an $8m bid by the Albanese government, with the backing of private funding, to join the crew of an upcoming European Space Agency mission is successful.
Ms Bennell-Pegg, an Australian engineer, qualified astronaut and Australian of the Year, is the director of the Australian Space Agency.
With the $8m backing, she hopes to attend training for an upcoming space mission at the ESA’s astronaut training centre in Germany and – ultimately – head to space.
Science Minister Tim Ayres has written to the ESA to endorse Ms Bennell-Pegg’s bid, which he says could be the culmination of Australia’s “long-held ambition to see an Australian astronaut go to space wearing an Australian flag on their space suit”.
“The government has been engaging extensively with the private sector, philanthropists, and other levels of government to raise funding to support a space flight, which is a significant cost,” he said.
“We are grateful to the philanthropists who have committed over $6m in cash, plus in-kind support, and some indicative support from state governments.
“We are grateful for the invitation for Katharine Bennell-Pegg to participate in a future mission to the International Space Station and have written to the European Space Agency with an offer that manages the competing pressures on the Budget.”