Australian astronaut Katherine Bennell-Pegg has been named South Australia’s Australian of the Year for 2026, marking another milestone in a year that has reshaped Australia’s place in human spaceflight.
The Adelaide-born space engineer is the first Australian to qualify as an astronaut under Australia’s space program, opening the door for a new generation of locally trained space professionals.
Bennell-Pegg graduated from Basic Astronaut Training in 2024 as part of a six-person class at the European Astronaut Centre in Germany. She was the first international candidate ever accepted into the program and was selected from more than 22,500 applicants worldwide.
Her achievement was widely celebrated across Australia’s space sector, particularly in South Australia, home to the Australian Space Agency and a growing ecosystem of space and defence companies.
Bennell Pegg said, “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 technology 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.”
Her ambition to become an astronaut began in childhood, and she has since built a distinguished career as a space engineer, contributing to multiple missions and technologies.
Speaking to ABC Radio Adelaide, Bennell-Pegg said, “There are not a lot of women represented as astronauts – it’s a symptom of the fact that there is still a minority of women in STEM.”
Her work has placed her at the forefront of Australia’s emerging space industry and positioned her as a strong contender for future international assignments.
"But I can tell you, having got out and about across Australia over the last year, that there are so many young people dreaming of the stars ... I remember growing up on the coast here in Australia and being just mesmerised by the stars, and I just had that desire for adventure like most kids have,” she added.
Alongside her technical accomplishments, Bennell-Pegg has become a prominent advocate for Australia’s space ambitions. She is known for engaging with school students, industry leaders and community groups to encourage interest in STEM pathways and to highlight the opportunities created by Australia’s expanding role in global space exploration.
Her determination, discipline and public engagement have made her a highly visible role model, particularly for young women considering careers in science and engineering.
South Australian leaders have praised her as an example of the state’s growing capability and ambition in advanced industries, noting that her achievements align closely with South Australia’s vision to become a national hub for space innovation.
National Australia Day Council CEO Mark Fraser AO CVO congratulated the award recipients for South Australia, saying, “Katherine is making history and inspiring the next generation to follow her lead in Australia’s space program.”
Bennell-Pegg added, “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.
“There’s so much that 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.”
As she prepares for the next phase of her career, Bennell-Pegg’s focus remains on strengthening Australia’s participation in human spaceflight and supporting others who hope to follow her path.
She will represent South Australia at the national Australian of the Year Awards in Canberra in January, where her historic achievements are expected to draw national attention.
Bennell Pegg further told ABC Radio Adelaide, “I really hope that this unlocks the path for more people to be involved in this wonderful endeavour and just to show people, particularly young people, to dream big and the power of the dream.”