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Australia Submits Final ESA Bid to Send Australian-of-the-Year to ISS in 2028
By Drooid · · How we work
Australia’s Final ESA Bid for a Flagged Astronaut
The federal government has lodged a final offer with the European Space Agency (ESA) to place Australian of the Year Katherine Bennell-Pegg on a future International Space Station mission, targeted for 2028. If ESA accepts, Bennell-Pegg would train at ESA’s centre in Cologne and at NASA facilities in the United States, becoming the first astronaut to fly under the Australian flag. ESA originally presented a seat at an estimated cost of $100 million earlier this year.
Funding and Private Support
The bid is underpinned by a mix of public and private contributions. Philanthropists have pledged over $6 million in cash plus in-kind support, while the industry-led “flyKatherine” campaign reported $25 million in total backing. South Australia is the only state to confirm financial assistance. Entrepreneurs Dick Smith and Jim Whalley each pledged $1 million, and former prime minister Kevin Rudd publicly endorsed the project. The Australian Space Agency (ASA) has already spent $466,000 on Bennell-Pegg’s ESA astronaut-training programme completed in 2024.
Official Statements & Responses
He added that the bid reflects a long-standing ambition to see an Australian astronaut fly with an Australian flag on the suit. South Australian Premier Peter Malinauskas expressed readiness to partner with the Commonwealth, noting the mission’s potential to inspire a new generation and boost national productivity.
Future Outlook
A government spokesperson indicated that a response from ESA is expected by the end of the year. Should the offer be accepted, the next steps will involve finalising mission details, securing additional state contributions, and integrating Australian-developed experiments.
Verbatim Quotes
- “We have submitted a final bid to our friends in the European Space Agency,” — Science Minister Tim Ayres
- “There is an inspirational value in sending a citizen from your country to space who is also the Australian of the Year … but the question is, is that worth $100m?” — De Grijs, a professor of physics and astronomy at Macquarie University