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Australia submits final ESA bid for Katherine Bennell-Pegg

By Drooid · Oct 23, 2026, 2:00 AM UTC · How we work

Summary

Story summary

The Australian federal government submitted a final ESA bid to fly astronaut Katherine Bennell-Pegg to the ISS.
The 2028 mission would be the first time a qualified astronaut flies under the Australian flag.
Philanthropists pledged over $6 million cash and in-kind support, while the “flyKatherine” campaign raised $25 million.
ESA reportedly offered the mission seat for $100 million, though the government did not disclose its contribution.

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Story summary

The Australian federal government submitted a final ESA bid to fly astronaut Katherine Bennell-Pegg to the ISS.
The 2028 mission would be the first time a qualified astronaut flies under the Australian flag.
Philanthropists pledged over $6 million cash and in-kind support, while the “flyKatherine” campaign raised $25 million.
ESA reportedly offered the mission seat for $100 million, though the government did not disclose its contribution.