Australia Seeks Astronaut Mission to Space Station
The federal government has confirmed talks with the European Space Agency about flying Katherine Bennell-Pegg to the International Space Station.
Updated on Nov. 2, 2026 in Space
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The Australian Government has confirmed talks with the European Space Agency about sending Katherine Bennell-Pegg, the 2026 Australian of the Year, to the International Space Station. Science and Innovation Minister Tim Ayres confirmed the talks at a press conference in Perth on 22 October.
Why it matters
If the mission proceeds, Bennell-Pegg would be the first astronaut to qualify under the Australian flag, a milestone for the nation's role in space exploration. The government is also seeking to raise more than $100 million from states, territories and philanthropic entities to fund the venture.
The government's ministerial confirmation sets out a funding target of more than $100 million and a proposed mission year of 2028, ahead of the station's planned decommissioning in 2030. Whether the mission will be formally approved and fully funded has not yet been confirmed.
The players
Katherine Bennell-Pegg
Bennell-Pegg is the 2026 Australian of the Year and a Royal Australian Air Force reservist who trained with the European Space Agency.
Tim Ayres
Ayres is Australia's Minister for Science and Innovation, who confirmed the talks at a press conference in Perth.
European Space Agency
The European Space Agency is the intergovernmental body whose partnership with Australia is under discussion for the proposed mission.
The details
Bennell-Pegg completed astronaut training with the European Space Agency in 2022-24 and is a reservist in the Royal Australian Air Force. Talks with the agency began earlier in 2026, and the government is raising funds from state governments and philanthropic entities to cover the mission.
Timeline
2022-24: Bennell-Pegg completes training with the European Space Agency.
Earlier in 2026: Talks between the Australian Government and the European Space Agency begin.
22 October 2026: Minister Tim Ayres confirms the talks at a press conference in Perth.
2028: Proposed Australian astronaut mission to the International Space Station.
2030: International Space Station scheduled for decommissioning and de-orbit.
Australia's Spaceflight Path
Scully-Power and Thomas previously flew as dual US-Australian citizens, so a mission under the Australian flag would mark a shift in how the nation takes part in human spaceflight. The move follows the station's scheduled decommissioning in 2030, which narrows the window for Australian participation.
If the mission proceeds, it could open new research opportunities in Australia and encourage students to pursue careers in engineering and science. The funding effort involves state governments and philanthropic partners, so the outcome will depend on those contributions.
The takeaway
The proposed mission could give Australian researchers and students direct involvement in spaceflight before the International Space Station is retired. Following the funding decisions and any formal confirmation from the European Space Agency will show whether the plan moves ahead.
What happens next
The proposed astronaut mission is scheduled for 2028, and the International Space Station is due to be decommissioned in 2030.
Further reading
Explore more coverage in Space to see how Australia's astronaut plans fit into wider developments in spaceflight.
Source note: This article includes information reported by PS News.
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