Federal government set to decide on space mission for Australian of the Year
The federal government may fund Katherine Bennell-Pegg's space mission to the ISS within 24 hours.
The federal government faces an urgent decision on a European Space Agency offer to send Katherine Bennell-Pegg, Australian of the Year, to the International Space Station. The mission seat costs about $100 million.
Around $25 million has been raised through state funding, corporate donations, and private gifts. South Australia is the only state to have publicly committed funds.
If approved, Bennell-Pegg would become the first Australian to fly to space with the flag stitched to her spacesuit. She completed initial training with the ESA in 2024.
Experts say the mission could inspire young Australians to pursue careers in science and technology. It could help the space sector access international contracts worth trillions of dollars.
In the Senate, Michaelia Cash raised concerns about the cost during Australia's cost-of-living crisis. Professor Alan Duffy of Swinburne University argues that raising national productivity requires investment in technology.
- $100 million
- Mission cost
- $25 million
- Funds raised
- South Australia only
- State commitment
- Initial ESA training in 2024
- Training completed
Why it mattersSending an Australian astronaut to space could inspire the next generation of scientists and engineers. It could also unlock international space contracts worth billions of dollars for Australia.
AustraliaAn Australian on the ISS would boost the nation's standing in the global space sector and could lead to new jobs and investment in Australia's space industry.
✓ Claims checked against the source and corrected before publish. checked 2 h ago
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