Katherine Bennell-Pegg Inspires Future Astronauts

Katherine Bennell-Pegg, Australia’s first professional astronaut and 2026 Australian of the Year, visited Monash University’s Clayton campus today. She aimed to inspire students and highlight opportunities within the expanding space sector in Australia. Bennell-Pegg shared, “I’ve wanted to be an astronaut since I was a child. Sharing that journey and showing what’s possible is incredibly important.” She emphasised the importance of developing skills necessary for future space careers.

Monash Makerspace: A Hub for Innovation

Bennell-Pegg engaged with students and toured the Monash Makerspace, where student teams work on projects in rocketry, robotics, and high-altitude systems. “There are so many exciting opportunities emerging in Australia’s space sector, and it’s inspiring to see students already building the skills to be part of it right here at Monash University,” she said.

Monash University Chancellor Megan Clark AC described Bennell-Pegg’s visit as a significant opportunity to open doors for the next generation. “Astronaut Katherine Bennell-Pegg inspires young students to reach for their dreams and lift Australia’s ambitions,” Dr. Clark stated. She highlighted the university’s initiatives in connecting students with real-world space careers through programmes like the National Indigenous Space Academy (NISA).

NISA creates pathways for First Nations students to gain hands-on experience with international space organisations. Professor Chris Lawrence, involved in Space Innovation at Monash, mentioned that the academy is expanding its reach through partnerships with NASA and the UK’s Rutherford Appleton Laboratory. “Monash is pioneering pathways like the National Indigenous Space Academy that open the space industry to a broader and more diverse group,” he said.

The visit also spotlighted the National Indigenous Space Academy, a pioneering Monash-led programme creating pathways for First Nations students to pursue careers in space science, engineering, and technology. Larry James, Professor of Practice, Space Innovation at Monash University, emphasised that Australia’s space ambitions rely on building capability from the ground up. “Monash is leading across multiple areas in this increasingly important domain,” he said.

Keira Moran, a NISA participant and Yuin woman, expressed how her placement at NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory confirmed the place for First Nations people in the global space industry, underscoring the importance of diverse perspectives in scientific advancement. “My experience at NASA showed me that there is definitely a place for First Nations people in the global space industry,” Moran said.

The event included a Welcome to Country ceremony and a panel discussion, allowing students to interact with Bennell-Pegg, Chancellor Clark, and Moran. They discussed career pathways and the future of space exploration. “These discussions are vital for shaping the future of our space industry,” Bennell-Pegg noted.

Monash University is helping shift Australia from participating in the global space sector to helping shape its future by bringing world-class research and new learning opportunities into direct partnership with industry and international space agencies. “By integrating research with real-world applications, we’re setting the stage for Australia’s leadership in space,” said Professor Lawrence.

For more information, visit the Monash News website.