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A public and industry-led campaign has been launched to implore the Australian government to partner with the European Space Agency in sending Australian of the Year and astronaut Katherine Bennell-Pegg on a space mission.
The “Generational strategic and economic opportunity for Australia” campaign encourages Australia to support the imminent and unique opportunity for ESA-trained astronaut Bennell-Pegg to fly on an ESA mission.
It’s understood that Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has already received a formal offer, with a deadline of four weeks, from the head of ESA with a cooperative agreement for a flight to space.
“An ESA–Australian space mission aligns squarely with the government’s priorities in sovereign capability, productivity, advanced manufacturing, and strengthening international partnerships,” according to a campaign statement.
“Similar arrangements are used by Canada and Japan to secure major missions without capital outflow.
“This is a moment when evidence and persuasion should replace the assumption that human spaceflight is a luxury for a few and instead recognise it as an opportunity for all. The risk to Australia is not in acting; it is in not acting. Rejecting an ESA offer would forfeit a once-in-a-generation chance to strengthen a major alliance, catalyse a STEM recovery, and build sovereign capability with high national returns; supporting rather than competing with urgent priorities such as cost of living.
“As ESA flight opportunities narrow with the ISS approaching its planned deorbit in 2030, European astronauts remain mission-ready through active programs, while Australia risks allowing its only astronaut to lose operational currency in the absence of a formal relationship.
“Our coalition has secured support letters representing over 10,000 members and employees, demonstrating that this is a unified national request, not a sectoral interest. We seek no public funding for us; we simply recognise a rare opportunity for Australia and stand ready to help the government shape it and engage a public that already shows majority support for an Australian astronaut program.
“This is a chance to forge a unifying narrative of ambition, innovation and partnership.”
