South Australia backs space mission as other states step back
South Australia is the only state financially supporting Katherine Bennell-Pegg's proposed European Space Agency mission to the International Space Station.
Katherine Bennell-Pegg, the current Australian of the Year and director of space technology for the Australian Space Agency, was invited by the European Space Agency to join a mission to orbit Earth. NSW, Queensland, Tasmania, the Northern Territory, and the ACT all declined to fund it.
Western Australia wants proof of return on investment for its taxpayers. The federal government has not yet committed and must decide by the end of this month to meet the European Space Agency's deadline.
If approved, Bennell-Pegg would be the first Australian formally representing the country in space. A crowdfunding campaign has already raised about $25 million in private and corporate donations.
- Katherine Bennell-Pegg
- Australian of the Year
- Completed ESA training in 2024
- First astronaut trained under
- About 25 million dollars
- Crowdfunding raised
Why it mattersThe decision will signal whether Australia is serious about building sovereign space capability and investing in its scientists on the world stage.
AustraliaIf the federal government backs the mission, Australia would achieve a historic milestone. If it declines, the program stalls and signals lower space investment priorities internationally.
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