Prime Minister's Commitment to #FlyKatherine Mission

Aviation/Aerospace Australia was the first industry organisation to report on Prime Minister Albanese's statement of support for a spaceflight mission for Australian of the Year Katherine Bennell-Pegg. 

Read the full transcript of the statement (final question in interview)

Aviation/Aerospace Australia is proud to share a landmark moment for the Australian space sector. In a radio interview with FIVEAA this week, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese confirmed that the Australian Government is actively lobbying the European Space Agency (ESA) to secure a spaceflight opportunity for Katherine Bennell-Pegg. This marks the first time the Australian Prime Minister has made a public statement of support for the #FlyKatherine campaign. 

The Prime Minister confirmed that the Government has been engaged in active discussions with ESA partners, including personally lobbying European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen during her recent visit to Australia. While acknowledging the cost involved and the constraints of a difficult Budget, he was unambiguous: "I want to see a positive outcome." 

A/AA recognises the call for private donors and the community to get behind this once-in-a-generation endeavour. 

We are proud to support the grassroots, cross-sector campaign #FlyKatherine, championed by Larissa Wiese, Deputy Director at the International Space Centre. Katherine Bennell-Pegg's mission as Australian of the Year represents a massive opportunity to inspire Australians toward careers in aviation, aerospace, and STEM and anchor Australia to the global space economy.

Follow #FlyKatherine on social media and stay tuned to the A/AA website and flykatherine.com.au for updates as this campaign continues to build momentum.