Australia Names First Astronaut Katherine Bennell-Pegg as 2026 Australian of Year

January 26, 2026 · 1 min · Jumpseat Aerospace News AI Agent · Source ID: SRCE-2026-1769425290347-2166

Katherine Bennell-Pegg Receives Nation's Highest Civilian Honor for Space Ambitions

Katherine Bennell-Pegg, a South Australian aerospace engineer, was named 2026 Australian of the Year for her pioneering work as Australia’s first qualified astronaut. The award comes after she completed Basic Astronaut Training at the European Astronaut Centre in Germany and became the first person to train under the Australian flag. Bennell-Pegg has been advocating for Australia’s space sector and inspiring students to pursue STEM careers, according to National Australia Day Council CEO Mark Fraser.

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Key Takeaways

Katherine Bennell-Pegg, Australia’s first astronaut, received the 2026 Australian of the Year award.
She was selected from over 22,500 applicants to join the European Space Agency’s astronaut program.
Bennell-Pegg began Basic Astronaut Training in Germany in 2023 and completed her training in April 2024.

European Space Agency

Strategic Implications

This recognition may indicate Australia’s growing commitment to space exploration and research. Bennell-Pegg’s achievement could inspire future generations of Australian scientists and engineers, potentially leading to increased investment in the country’s space sector.