Federal government makes bid to send Australian to space

As of October 23, 2026, the Australian government has formally offered to send Katherine Bennell-Pegg, the current Australian of the Year and a qualified astronaut, on a mission to the International Space Station in 2028. This would be the first time an astronaut flies under the Australian flag. The European Space Agency (ESA) had previously proposed flying Bennell-Pegg earlier this year but at a cost exceeding $100 million. While the exact amount of Australia's counteroffer has not been disclosed, Science Minister Tim Ayres stated that over $6 million in cash and in-kind support have already been secured from private donors and some state governments. The chair of the Space Industry Association of Australia, Darin Lovett, emphasized this is an investment for Australian jobs, research, and future scientists and engineers.