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A/AA Supports Campaign to get Australian of the Year to Space

A/AA is proud to support the grassroots, cross-sector campaign #FlyKatherine. A spaceflight for Katherine Bennell-Pegg represents a massive opportunity to inspire Australians toward careers in aviation, aerospace, and STEM and anchor Australia to the global space economy.

This is a once-in-a-generation opportunity that will inspire the school students, emerging professionals and NextGen members who are the future of our industry.

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. 

What is the ask?

  • Australia is considering entering into a formal cooperation framework with the European Space Agency (ESA) that could enable an orbital mission for Katherine Bennell-Pegg, an Australian-born ESA-trained astronaut.
  • This is a government-to-government partnership embedded within ESA’s existing human spaceflight program, linking Australian industry, research and technology into mission activities.

Why is A/AA supporting #FlyKatherine?

  •  Innovation | A mission unlocks industry growth and high-value manufacturing and provides direct access to European markets, partnerships, and procurement pathways. 
  •  Diversity | As Australia's first female astronaut, Katherine embodies the goals of Women in Aviation/Aerospace Australia.
  •  Next generation | The mission inspires the students and emerging professionals in our NextGenNetwork to pursue aerospace careers.

Australia is one of the most space-dependent nations in the world, with satellite services underpinning banking, agriculture, logistics, telecommunications, disaster management and national security, and yet still remains in the early stages of developing sovereign space capability. 

This opportunity is not about sending one individual into orbit. It is about anchoring Australia to the global space economy. Nations that participate in human spaceflight sit at the table where future space rules, supply chains and collaborations are shaped.