Katherine Bennell-Pegg has made her pitch for the stars while touching down in Goldfields.
The first qualified astronaut under the Australian flag has been invited by the European Space Agency to take part in a mission to the International Space Station.
The 2026 Australian of the Year told 9News Perth on Monday that becoming an astronaut had been a childhood dream come true.
“It said to me that a door has been opened for Australia to take its place at the forefront of human endeavour,” she said.
Bennell-Pegg achieved that goal after years of studying and training with the Australian Space Agency.
“It was so exciting when I was at the European Astronaut Centre and received this blue flight suit and the Australian flag was there for the first time on a professional astronaut flight suit,” she said.
The offer has received federal government support but isn’t a guarantee, as discussions are ongoing.
Meanwhile, industry and philanthropic donations are growing.
The space engineer is also on a mission to inspire the next generation to reach for the stars, no matter gender or postcode.
“Whether it’s mining engineers at the school of mines who can help us understand the surface of the moon or look after our robots better, or young people in schools where you can see the curiosity light up”, she said.
Kalgoorlie Mayor Glenn Wilson said it was an honour to meet her.
“I’ve got a five-year-old at home who has ambitions of being an astronaut. Today I get to take that opportunity home to him, to say, ‘Mate, that’s an opportunity you have. We have astronauts in Australia’.”
The federal government said Bennell-Pegg was an extraordinary Australian.
“Her determination to become the first astronaut in space qualified under the Australian flag is an inspiration to us all, particularly young Australians,” a spokesperson said.
9News Perth was flown in as a guest to cover Bennell-Pegg’s visit to Kalgoorlie.
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