Australia offers ESA counter-proposal to send Katherine Bennell-Pegg to space

The Australian federal government has submitted a formal counter-offer to the European Space Agency (ESA) to fund a 2028 mission to the International Space Station for Katherine Bennell-Pegg. If successful, the mission would mark the first time an astronaut flies to space representing Australia.

Science Minister Tim Ayres noted that the initial ESA offer would have cost the Australian government more than $100 million. The new proposal aims to manage budget pressures by leveraging diverse funding sources. To date, philanthropists have committed over $6 million in cash and in-kind support, alongside indicative support from various state governments.

The #flykatherine fundraising campaign has gained significant backing from the private sector, including entrepreneurs Jim Whalley and Dick Smith, as well as companies such as BHP and Novas Systems, which have each committed $1 million. The ESA is expected to announce its decision regarding the counter-offer later this year.