The Australian government has offered the European Space Agency a sum believed to be below the reported A$100 million-plus it originally sought, to fly Katherine Bennell-Pegg to the International Space Station. Australia is not an ESA member state and so must pay for a seat, which is what drives the cost. Supporters argue the investment could bring returns through industrial contracts, as ESA's geographical return principle links funding to domestic businesses. Canada's earlier robotics investment is cited as an example of such payoffs. If accepted, a mission could occur as early as 2028.
Critics fear Australia could miss its chance to send its first nationally flagged astronaut into space. Katherine Bennell-Pegg was offered a seat on a 2028 European Space Agency mission. The federal government has made a funding offer, but its value has not been disclosed. It is understood the offer falls well short of the estimated $100 million needed. Science Minister Tim Ayres said the offer balances budget pressures. South Australia was among a small number of states to contribute funding.
The federal government has submitted a final bid to the European Space Agency to send Australian of the Year Katherine Bennell-Pegg to the International Space Station. If the agency accepts, she would become the first person to formally represent Australia on a space agency mission. Science Minister Tim Ayres said the government was grateful for the opportunity but must manage costs carefully. Philanthropists have committed over $6 million in cash and in-kind support, and the industry-led flyKatherine campaign has reportedly reached $25 million. South Australia is the only state to publicly confirm financial support.
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South Australia will support a proposed mission to send Australian of the Year Katherine Bennell-Pegg to the International Space Station, despite most other states and territories declining to fund the venture. South Australian Premier Peter Malinauskas said his government would make a contribution to the national endeavour. The federal government has asked states and territories to help fund Ms Bennell-Pegg joining a European Space Agency mission before the end of the decade, which includes specialised training in Germany and the United States.
