CANBERRA January 26, 2026 – Katherine Bennell-Pegg, a pioneering Australian space engineer and astronaut, has been awarded the prestigious title of 2026 Australian of the Year for her historic achievement as the first person to qualify as an astronaut under the Australian flag.
The announcement was made during the Australian of the Year Awards ceremony in Canberra, recognizing Bennell-Pegg’s contributions to advancing Australia’s presence in space exploration.
A 41-year-old aeronautical engineer originally from South Australia, Bennell-Pegg graduated from the European Space Agency’s (ESA) astronaut training program in April 2024, becoming the first Australian to complete the rigorous qualification with support from the Australian Space Agency. Although she has not yet flown to space, her accomplishment marks a significant milestone in building national space capabilities and inspiring future generations.
In her acceptance remarks, Bennell-Pegg emphasized the role of space in scientific discovery and national development, expressing hope that the award would open pathways for more Australians in the field.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese congratulated Bennell-Pegg, highlighting her journey from a high school student dreaming of the stars to a trailblazer in the industry. Foreign Minister Penny Wong, also from South Australia, praised her as an “Adelaide local” who has made history, noting widespread pride among South Australians.
Bennell-Pegg’s recognition distinguishes her qualification under Australia’s emerging space program from previous Australian-born astronauts, such as Paul Scully-Power and Andy Thomas, who flew missions with NASA.
She succeeds Neale Daniher, the 2025 recipient known for his advocacy in motor neurone disease research. Other 2026 award winners include ultramarathon runner Nedd Brockmann (NSW Young Australian of the Year) and various state and territory honorees for community contributions.
The awards coincide with Australia Day celebrations, underscoring national pride in innovation and achievement.
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