The Forrest Research Foundation was honoured to host Australian astronaut, Katherine Bennell-Pegg at an exclusive breakfast for researchers and a private dinner with industry representatives, where she shared insights on the space sector and her inspiring career.
Space has always been a point of fascination for Katherine Bennell-Pegg. The starry skies of Sydney’s Northern Beaches where she grew up sparked a lifelong curiosity in the universe and its workings.
“I was in awe of the universe above me,” said Ms Bennell-Pegg, addressing an audience of Forrest researchers.
As a teenager the allure of space grew. When asked by a teacher to list three potential career options, Ms Bennell-Pegg listed “astronaut” as her one and only choice. It was an aspiration which would propel her to study a Bachelor of Engineering (Aeronautical Engineering) (Space) and Bachelor of Science (Physics) at the University of Sydney. Upon graduation and without a national space program, Ms Bennell-Pegg ventured overseas, working for Airbus on a range of space related projects.
In 2021 the European Space Agency put out the first call for new astronauts in more than 10 years. As a dual UK citizen, Ms Bennell-Pegg seized the opportunity. “The astronaut dream never died,” said Ms Bennell-Pegg.
The program received over 22,000 applicants from 22 countries. After an 18-month selection process involving six stages, Ms Bennell-Pegg was one of only 25 chosen. It was then she learned she would not be selected to represent Europe. Rather, in a twist of fate that would change the history books she would become the first astronaut candidate to represent Australia.
From parabolic flights to space systems engineering, the training was intensive, readying her for long-duration missions to the international space station and beyond. In April of this year, she graduated from the European Space Agency (ESA), alongside five newly qualified astronauts.
This monumental achievement cemented Ms Bennell-Pegg as the first female Australian astronaut, and the first astronaut to qualify under the Australian flag.
“It’s an exciting time to be an astronaut” said Ms Bennell-Pegg, now in her pre-mission assignment phase.
Since returning from Germany, Ms Bennell-Pegg has been shining a light on the importance of Australia playing an active role in human space flight. Both in the form of inspiring the next generation of STEM workforce and underscoring emerging opportunities where industry and academia can contribute to global space missions.
This drive to propel astronomy and space sciences into the fore, is one shared by the Forrest Research Foundation. From researching galaxy collisions to discovering new black holes, the Foundation is supporting brilliant minds to push the boundaries of scientific discovery. Ms Bennell-Pegg’s invaluable insights and uplifting journey, stands as an inspiration for all the Foundation’s researchers in realising their dreams too.
Photo: Katherine Bennell-Pegg and Forrest Fellow Dr Adelle Goodwin.
