Science & Space
Australia Formally Offers Astronaut Katherine Bennell-Pegg for 2028 ISS Mission
Australia has formally submitted an offer to the European Space Agency for astronaut Katherine Bennell-Pegg to participate in a 2028 International Space Station mission, with funding negotiations ongoing for the mission estimated to cost “well north of $100 million.”
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THE PRIMARY BRIEF
- 01 · The primary finding
Australia formally offered astronaut Katherine Bennell-Pegg for a 2028 International Space Station mission to the European Space Agency, but funding negotiations for the over $100 million mission are still underway.
- 02 · The primary evidence
Federal Minister for Industry and Science Tim Ayres confirmed Australia's formal nomination, noting the mission would cost “well north of $100 million” and require non-federal contributions, with only $25 million in non-federal support pledged so far.
- 03 · Why it matters
The mission would mark the first time an Australian astronaut officially represents the nation in orbit, serving as a strategic investment in research, science, education, and diplomacy, and a powerful motivator for STEM careers.
Australia officially offered astronaut Katherine Bennell-Pegg to the European Space Agency (ESA) around October 22-23, 2026, for a mission to the International Space Station (ISS) in 2028. This potential mission, estimated to cost “well north of $100 million,” would mark the first time an Australian astronaut officially represents the nation in orbit. So far, approximately $25 million in non-federal support, comprising cash and in-kind commitments, has been pledged for the mission.
This offer represents a significant step for Australia's space ambitions and for Katherine Bennell-Pegg, who became the first person to qualify as an astronaut under the Australian flag in April 2024. The mission is seen by supporters as a strategic investment in research, science, education, and diplomacy, with the potential to inspire careers in STEM fields.
What the records show
Katherine Bennell-Pegg completed her basic astronaut training with the ESA in April 2024, graduating as a fully-qualified astronaut. She is also the Director of Space Technology at the Australian Space Agency and holds the title of 2026 Australian of the Year.
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What changed and for whom
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