KM Bennell-Pegg - 15.12.1984

[Orionid]

Australijka Katherine Bennell-Pegg ma dołączyć do szkolenia 5. astronautów z grupy ESA 2022.
Australian Space Agency zapłaciła za jej szkolenie i to z jej ramienia ma polecieć na ISS.
Jest to pierwszy raz, gdy ESA pod swą egidą będzie szkolić do lotu kosmicznego osobę z zewnątrz, co jest na razie trzecim takim przypadkiem po ZSRR i USA.

Wcześniej Australijka (ma także brytyjskie obywatelstwo) zajęła bardzo wysoką (była wśród 25 najlepszych) lokatę  w procesie selekcji ESA.
Zakończenie szkolenia astronautycznego planowane jest w 2024 roku.

Jako inżynier systemów kosmicznych z ponad 12-letnim doświadczeniem, Bennell-Pegg studiowała i pracowała w sześciu krajach nad załogowymi misjami i technologiami związanymi z lotami kosmicznymi, także tych powiązanych z ISS , koncepcjami usuwania kosmicznych śmieci, misjami naukowymi, obserwacjami Ziemi i misjami związanymi z eksploracją kosmosu.

Ogłoszenie o treningu astronautycznym Katherine Bennell-Pegg miało miejsce w  International Womens Day.

Katherine Bennell-Pegg CV ma tak bogate, jakby Australia była potęgą kosmiczną 
https://www.minister.industry.gov.au/ministers/husic/media-releases/inspiring-aussie-kids-reach-stars
https://twitter.com/AusSpaceAgency/status/1633246724256075776
ttps://twitter.com/ESAstro_trainer/status/1633488674343075841

When she completes her intensive training, Katherine will receive basic training certification, a prerequisite for assignment to missions to the International Space Station.

Katherine, as a dual United Kingdom citizen, privately applied to join the European Astronaut Corp when it was advertised in early 2021. This was the first selection process since 2009. She was one of only 25 people to complete the program, from 22,500 eligible applicants.

https://www.industry.gov.au/news/history-made-australian-woman-katherine-bennell-pegg-be-trained-astronaut-european-space-agency
https://www.esa.int/Science_Exploration/Human_and_Robotic_Exploration/Australian_astronaut_candidate_to_receive_basic_training_with_ESA


https://www.abc.net.au/news/2023-03-08/first-woman-to-train-as-astronaut-under-australian-flag/102069080

https://www.rymdstyrelsen.se/upptack-rymden/bloggen/2023/03/australiens-forsta-kvinnliga-astronaut/

Australia’s first female astronaut Katherine Bennell-Pegg


First Australian woman set to head to Germany for astronaut training | 9 News Australia


Space: The next frontier for Australian innovation


http://lk.astronautilus.pl/astros/bennell-pegg.htm
https://www.space.gov.au/meet-katherine-bennell-pegg

https://glamadelaide.com.au/history-made-australias-first-female-astronaut-to-lift-off/
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Katherine_Bennell-Pegg
https://au.linkedin.com/in/katherinepegg

E2 29.03.23)
https://twitter.com/AusSpaceAgency/status/1640546158467600385
https://twitter.com/AussieAstroKat/status/1640223940126871552

3)

https://twitter.com/AussieAstroKat/status/1643117854974156801
https://twitter.com/AussieAstroKat/status/1646297049220931595
https://twitter.com/TheQuicky__/status/1666906191207751686
https://twitter.com/AusSpaceAgency/status/1665963043568885760


https://www.dw.com/en/esa-introduces-its-latest-class-of-european-astronauts/a-65503573

https://www.dailymail.co.uk/femail/real-life/article-12101449/Mum-Katherine-Bennell-Pegg-woman-train-astronaut-Australian-flag.html

4)
https://twitter.com/AussieAstroKat/status/1667085771281666053
https://twitter.com/AussieAstroKat/status/1669957730084454400

[NewMan]

Ciekawe, czy w związku z tym Australia włączy się w program użytkowania (i finansowania) Stacji i pani Katherine będzie miała szansę polecieć na regularną półroczną turę na orbicie, czy też raczej na jakąś misję krótkotrwałą w rodzaju kolejnego klienta Axiom?

NewMan

[Orionid]

Już siedmioro trenuje. Wkrótce dojdą jeszcze kolejne osoby.

Osiągnięcie równowagi energetycznej ⚖️podczas długoterminowych lotów kosmicznych jest wyzwaniem i ważnym obszarem badań. Niedawno wykonałam test spoczynkowego wydatku energetycznego, który zmierzy moje zużycie tlenu i metabolizm, aby pomóc w informowaniu i przygotowywaniu posiłków podczas misji kosmicznych.

https://twitter.com/AussieAstroKat/status/1673956320075198466

So great to have John McFall, the world’s first astronaut with a disability join us at the EAC for key elements of the basic training. 🚀
He’ll work with experts to see how 👨‍🚀 roles can be more accessible, allowing for a wider range of people to qualify for human spaceflight.

https://twitter.com/AussieAstroKat/status/1670946837883408384
https://twitter.com/Astro_Alex/status/1671910648937336832

2)

Space might just be the place where @Vegemite tastes EVEN better! (Hard to imagine, I know) 😉
Astronauts taste buds change in space, resulting in salty and spicy foods tasting better than they do here on Earth.
Which Aussie 🇦🇺 delicacy would you bring to the @Space_Station?

https://twitter.com/AussieAstroKat/status/1674726540867948544

[Orionid]

https://twitter.com/AussieAstroKat/status/1701736557529731429

Welcome to the EAC @astro_slawosz! 🚀@Raph_Astro and I are super happy to have you as our new office buddy!

[Orionid]

Ciekawe, czy w związku z tym Australia włączy się w program użytkowania (i finansowania) Stacji i pani Katherine będzie miała szansę polecieć na regularną półroczną turę na orbicie, czy też raczej na jakąś misję krótkotrwałą w rodzaju kolejnego klienta Axiom?
NewMan

Odpowiedź zdaje się teraz sama nasuwać.

Co ciekawe, brała udział w treningu EVA. To tylko przymiarka prototypu skafandra kosmicznego.
Dwie sprzeczne informacje ?
Nic mi nie wiadomo o takim treningu w przypadku załogi Axiom-3.

The Space Engineer became the first non-American to be fitted into the Collins prototype spacesuit, which could be worn by astronauts on the upcoming Artemis missions.

https://www.space.gov.au/news-and-media/countdown-to-graduation-aussie-astronaut

https://twitter.com/Axiom_Space/status/1743316795379839184

Axiom Space welcomed Astronaut Katherine Bennell-Pegg and the @AusSpaceAgency to tour of our facilities, providing them with a firsthand look at the future of commercial space. #BuildingOpportunity

https://twitter.com/jekearsley/status/1735925457043001654

Tonight @9NewsAUS - the Aussie woman breaking ground with her dream of space travel - and her next big step at a major US space hub. Katherine Bennell-Peg is reaching for the stars.

2)
https://x.com/AusSpaceAgency/status/1781205788511670538

3)
https://twitter.com/AussieAstroKat/status/1780857582078619818

"That Holden is up to something? Have you met that guy? He’s never done anything secretly in his life." - The Expanse.
Wishing Steven Strait, who plays James Holden from #TheExpanse the best first time (...yes really!) on a parabolic flight!  ✈️🧑‍🚀

https://twitter.com/spacerockslive/status/1780629607214944467

Parabolic Flight programme in Bordeaux. Astronauts? Check. Scientists? Steven Strait who plays James Holden from The Expanse? Check! More soon. Tomorrow he flies!  #watchthisspace #theexpanse #screamingfirehawks

[Orionid]

Astronautka 22.04.2024 otrzymała oficjalny certyfikat ukończenia szkolenia.
Po utworzeniu ASA może kolejny etap to członkostwo w ESA?
Może odpowiednio wysoka składka do ESA umożliwi astronautce dłuższy lot ?
Zacząłem szukać i okazało się, że poparcie dla członkostwa Australii w ESA nie jest odosobnione.
50-lecie utworzenia ESA mogłoby być dobrym momentem na oficjalną deklarację.
[Obecnie jedynym członkiem stowarzyszonym ESA jest Kanada https://www.esa.int/About_Us/Corporate_news/ESA_and_Canada_renew_partnership_in_space_science_and_technology ]

Is Australia Ready to Reach for the Stars? Why ESA Membership Could be the Key to a Brighter Future
Dharshun Sridharan, April 18, 2023

Becoming an ESA member state would provide a multitude of benefits for Australia, including furthering the nation’s scientific and technological advancements, increasing economic opportunities and creating a positive international image for Australia.

https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/australia-ready-reach-stars-why-esa-membership-could-key-sridharan

https://www.space.gov.au/about-agency/publications/statement-intent-between-australian-space-agency-and-european-space-agency
https://www.esa.int/Enabling_Support/Operations/A_new_ESA_giant_in_Australia

A sensational opportunity to learn how to operate better in weightlessness.
Parabolic flights ✈️ are an important microgravity research platform, outreach & training platform for astronauts.

https://x.com/AussieAstroKat/status/1780504047545688513

The world's first Aussie astronaut Katherine Bennell-Pegg
ABC Radio Adelaide April 22, 2024

Australians Paul Scully-Power & Dr. Andy Thomas were both astronauts before her, but Katherine Bennell-Pegg is the first Australian citizen to become a certified astronaut.

"It's the first time anyone will be representing our nation in space", said Keegan Buzza from the Australian Space Agency.

Buzza explained to Nikolai Beilharz, "She is a fully qualified astronaut who is ready for extended stays on the International Space Station".
https://www.abc.net.au/listen/programs/adelaide-afternoons/aussie-astronaut/103754934

Katherine Bennell-Pegg graduates as an Australian astronaut
8 March 2024

We profile an Australian Space Agency employee who is the first person to ever be trained as an astronaut under the Australian flag.
https://www.industry.gov.au/news/katherine-bennell-pegg-graduates-australian-astronaut

Ms Bennell-Pegg, who was raised in Sydney’s Northern Beaches, will return to Adelaide to work at the Australian Space Agency.
Whilst at the Australian Space Agency, she will prepare for missions to the International Space Station and beyond.

[Orionid]

https://twitter.com/AussieAstroKat/status/1785930754855469180

Astronauts spend 2-3 hours each day, 6 days a week working out in space! On the @Space_Station there’s a treadmill, bike & weights machine. 🏋️‍♀️
We don’t need to be athletes, but we do need to be fit for space, training, recovery from flight, and to sustain long & healthy careers.

[Orionid]

Teoretyzując, gdyby Axiom Space zdecydował się na wykorzystywanie Starlinera to mogłaby jako 5-ta załogantka z brytyjskim obywatelstwem zmieścić się na pokładzie 

'Dream big': First astronaut to represent Australia hopes to inspire
Published 23 April 2024 8:30am Updated 23 April 2024 10:20am Source: AAP


Katherine Bennell-Pegg shows the Columbus training module at the European Astronaut Centre in Cologne, Germany. Credit: AP

Australians Andy Thomas and Paul Scully Power both travelled to space as American citizens.

There has never been an Australian woman in space.

Thomas, a retired NASA astronaut, congratulated Bennell-Pegg on her graduation. (...)

Bennell-Pegg said one of the most memorable exercises was the centrifuge training.

"We get put into a little capsule in the dark and we go through the full g-force profile over a launch and return," she said.

"You just feel this crushing force ... you can imagine yourself in a rocket, on the capsule coming back and you know you can handle that and its effects.

"I was pretty dizzy afterwards — I may have walked into a pole." (...)
https://www.sbs.com.au/news/article/dream-big-first-australian-astronaut-katherine-bennell-pegg-hopes-to-inspire/ha49xfvdm
https://www.abc.net.au/news/2024-04-23/australian-katherine-bennell-pegg-graduates-astronaut-program/103756002

2)
https://twitter.com/AussieAstroKat/status/1800421410869018733

I’m thrilled to be presenting at @AndyThomasSpace's 17th Australian Space Forum in Adelaide in July.
It will be my first Australian industry event following my return 🇦🇺 I look forward to sharing my story and the knowledge I've gained.
Register here: https://forum.andythomas.foundation/17th-australian-space-forum/

3)
https://twitter.com/AusHouseLondon/status/1803833781628895394

@AussieAstroKat, the first astronaut under the Australian flag & CDRE Allison Norris CSC, RAN, 🇦🇺’s first female warfare tactician, joined Deputy HC Elisabeth Bowes PSM for an inspiring ‘Australia Talks’ session on their careers at the forefront of science, technology & defence.

4)
Australia's first astronaut speaks for first time since completing training | 7 News Australia

[Orionid]

Astronautka dostała nominację na kapitana rezerwy Aus AirForce GPCAPT (Group Captain).
https://www.defence.gov.au/news-events/news/2024-12-20/down-earth-asset-air-force

Air Marshal Stephen Chappell @CAF_Australia 10:32 PM · Dec 6, 2024
This week I appointed Australian astronaut Katherine Bennell-Pegg as a reservist Group Captain in @AusAirForce.
 GPCAPT Bennell-Pegg was the first person to train as an astronaut under the Australian flag in 2024 and in turn became Australia’s first female astronaut.

As a Specialist Capability Officer, I am sure she will inspire and mentor our aviators and young Australians interested in STEM careers.
Her skills and knowledge as an astronaut and in her role at @AusSpaceAgency will be of great benefit to Defence.
 Welcome Katherine!

https://x.com/CAF_Australia/status/1865147258800607292

Katherine Bennell-Pegg @AussieAstroKat Dec 10 2024
I'm honoured to have been appointed as a GPCAPT in the @AusAirForce reserve by @caf_australia.
I look forward to putting my astronaut & space engineering skills & knowledge into action to further contribute & develop, alongside & complementing my role at the @AusSpaceAgency.

https://x.com/AussieAstroKat/status/1866266748779126810

2)

Dr. Shawna Pandya @shawnapandya 4:55 PM · Nov 27, 2024
Is this a Jeep ad? Not quite- it's even cooler! Myself, @AussieAstroKat &  @Axiom_Space astronaut @Astro_Wakata got a closeup view of the @TeranetSpace Jeep, which functions as a mobile ground station, using ultra-fast laser communications. Read more here: https://miragenews.com/teranet-jeep-to-debut-at-indo-pacific-space-1365235/

https://x.com/shawnapandya/status/1861800999553491413

3)

Australian Space Agency @AusSpaceAgency 12:30 AM · Dec 5, 2024
🚀 Congratulations to our inspiring @AussieAstroKat for taking out Person of the Year at the @SALIFEmagazine SALIFE Awards last night. 👏

https://x.com/AusSpaceAgency/status/1864452127717814384

4) From dreamer to astronaut: Katherine Bennell-Pegg’s journey to space
Australian Children's Television Foundation

[Orionid]

Koleżanka Sławosza na razie nie doczekała się nominacji do żadnej załogi.

Australian taxpayers paid $466,000 for training of nation’s first female astronaut Katherine Bennell-Pegg
Tory Shepherd Tue 23 Apr 2024 03.07 CEST

With Bennell-Pegg unlikely to go to space anytime soon, there are questions about the value of the spending by the cash-strapped Australian space program

(...) Asa paid $466,000 for her to spend a year at the European Astronaut Centre in Cologne, Germany. (...)

To get to the ISS privately would cost an estimated US$55m, almost twice the Australian Space Agency’s annual budget, which is $34.2m. (...)

https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2024/apr/23/australian-taxpayers-paid-466000-for-training-of-nations-first-female-astronaut-katherine-bennell-pegg

2) Astronaut Katherine Bennell-Pegg says studying space will help Australia manage bushfires, floods
By Rhiannon Soliman-Marron Sun 28 Sep


Katherine Bennell-Pegg graduated from the European Astronaut Centre in Germany last year. (ABC News: Marcus Stimson)

(...) She said the Australian Space Agency — where she is currently the director of space technology – worked "hand in hand" with the Australian Defence Force (ADF) and other government agencies to "utilise" space to our best interests. (...)
https://www.abc.net.au/news/2025-09-28/astronaut-katherine-bennell-pegg-study-space-bushfires-floods/105827566
3)

Australian Space Agency @AusSpaceAgency 1:00 AM · Nov 3, 2025
Congratulations Katherine Bennell-Pegg, nominated for the 2026 Australian of the Year Awards for South Australia! 🇦🇺🚀
It reflects @AussieAstroKat's contribution to Australia’s space industry and commitment to inspiring the next generation to dream big and reach for the stars. 🌟

https://x.com/AusSpaceAgency/status/1985134837552857278
4)

Australian Space Agency @AusSpaceAgency 2:30 AM · Oct 8, 2025
On October 4th, the European Space Agency’s (@esa) most advanced deep-space communication technology, New Norcia 3, was inaugurated by its Director General Josef Aschbacher and Head of the Australian Space Agency Enrico Palermo.
Read more http://spklr.io/6012BKBXw
📷  ESA/Fisheye

https://x.com/AusSpaceAgency/status/1975720352413106466
https://www.esa.int/Newsroom/Press_Releases/ESA_inaugurates_deep_space_antenna_in_Australia

[Orionid]

Coś się ruszyło w kwestii lotu astronautki.
12. gospodarka na świecie...

Australia's first female astronaut Katherine Bennell-Pegg invited to International Space Station
By Nicholas R Ward and Andrew Williams ABC Goldfields Posted 25 May 2026 at 12:28 pm


Katherine Bennell-Pegg has been formally offered a place on a future European Space Agency mission. (ABC News: Jarrod Lucas)

Australia's first female astronaut is closer to her first space flight than ever before, but the trip is not a guarantee.

The European Space Agency has extended the offer to the Australian government for Katherine Bennell-Pegg to join a future mission that will take the 41-year-old to the International Space Station.

But the offer remains dependent on financial support, with crowdfunding, industry support and government all expected to play a critical role.

https://www.abc.net.au/news/2026-05-25/iss-mission-offered-to-australias-first-astronaut/106719690

Katherine Bennell-Pegg’s ISS mission would boost Australia’s standing in space
18 Sep 2026|Rajeswari Pillai Rajagopalan and Malcolm Davis



(...) Australia has the chance to send Bennell-Pegg, its first female astronaut and the 2026 Australian of the Year, into space through the European Space Agency (ESA). The national benefit of doing so would outweigh the cost.

The estimated A$100 million cost of a flight to the International Space Station with the ESA sounds like a lot. But the government should consider it a worthy investment, as the endeavour would both inspire the nation and ensure Australia is a global player in one of the most important strategic frontiers.

The mission would draw investment into Australia’s growing commercial space sector, building confidence in the sector’s future. It would also show allies and partners that Australia won’t just be a passive onlooker in humanity’s next steps in space. Just as there is an active debate about the need for Australia to be an active player in the field of AI, Australia should be an active participant in space. This is particularly important given the sector’s role in so many aspects of our daily lives, from satellite communications and transportation to climate monitoring and missile warning systems. Australia needs to be involved, including by having an Australian astronaut in space, not stuck on the ground.

A decision not to support this opportunity for Bennell-Pegg to fly to orbit would undermine confidence that we are serious about supporting space endeavours. This would be a step backwards for the nation. (...)
https://www.aspistrategist.org.au/katherine-bennell-peggs-iss-mission-would-boost-australias-standing-in-space/