Katherine Bennell-Pegg Becomes Australia’s First Female Astronaut

Katherine Bennell-Pegg, director of space technology at the Australian Space Agency and 2026 Australian of the Year, has become the first astronaut trained under the Australian flag. Growing up in Curl Curl on Sydney’s northern beaches, she pursued physics and aeronautical space engineering at the University of Sydney, overcoming entry‑score hurdles to earn a double degree. Bennell-Pegg also worked with the European Space Agency before joining the national program. She says her aim is to boost the proportion of women in space and in STEM fields, encouraging students to persist despite setbacks.

Her story highlights the increasing opportunities for Australians in the global space sector and serves as a role model for aspiring scientists, engineers and tradespeople alike.