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.
A Japanese mission planned for 2031 aims to return samples from Phobos, one of Mars' moons, to Earth. The return capsule is planned to land at Woomera in South Australia, where the samples would be recovered for study. The Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency leads the mission, which includes the United States, France, Germany and the European Space Agency. South Australian minister Chris Picton said the state was proud to be involved and that the mission could encourage young people towards science and engineering careers. The return depends on the spacecraft completing its journey and sample collection as intended.
Japan's space agency, JAXA, is sending a spacecraft to Phobos, one of Mars' two moons, to collect samples. The Martian Moons eXploration mission is due to launch from Tanegashima Space Center and reach Mars after almost a year of travel. Scientists want to know whether the moons are captured asteroids or debris from an ancient collision. The spacecraft aims to bring at least 10 grams of material back to Earth by 2031. Researchers hope the samples will also shed light on how Mars and the wider solar system evolved.
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Former child detainees in Western Australia allege sexual abuse in state custody. Victorian Coalition MPs criticise a conservative lobby group's pre-election campaign, warning it may harm their election prospects. French authorities face pressure after violent unrest left public buildings burned, shops looted, and over 2,000 people arrested. Japan plans to launch a spacecraft to collect samples from Mars' moon Phobos.
