Australia submits bid to send astronaut Katherine Bennell-Pegg to space

Australia has taken a significant step closer to sending its first astronaut to space, with the federal government submitting a final bid to the European Space Agency (ESA) to fund a mission for Australian of the Year Katherine Bennell-Pegg.

If accepted, Ms Bennell-Pegg will become the first person to fly to space as a formal representative of Australia. She has already completed her basic astronaut training with the ESA in 2024.

Government bid submitted

Science Minister Tim Ayres confirmed on Friday morning that a final bid had been submitted to the ESA.

"We have submitted a final bid to our friends in the European Space Agency," Mr Ayres said. "We are grateful for the opportunity to apply for this important project. It is an important opportunity. It does require careful fiscal management and making sure that we are balancing the fiscal pressures appropriately."

Training and funding

If the bid is successful, Ms Bennell-Pegg will be required to attend additional training at the European Space Agency's astronaut training centre in Cologne, Germany, and NASA facilities in the United States.

A government spokesperson said "the government has long held ambition to see an Australian astronaut go to space wearing an Australian flag on their space suit".

The Australian Government has already funded Ms Bennell-Pegg's basic astronaut training. The spokesperson added that "the government has been engaging extensively with the private sector, philanthropists, and other levels of government to raise funding to support a space flight — which is a significant cost."

The spokesperson also confirmed that philanthropists have committed over $6 million in cash, plus in-kind support, and some indicative support from state governments.

ESA response expected

A government spokesperson said a response to Australia's bid was expected by the end of the year.