Remarkable Australian and ATSE Fellow recognised as Australian of the Year
Australia’s leading tech and engineering academy congratulates ATSE Fellow Katherine Bennell-Pegg FTSE on winning Australian of the Year.
Australia’s leading tech and engineering academy congratulates ATSE Fellow Katherine Bennell-Pegg FTSE on winning Australian of the Year.
Ms Bennell-Pegg is the first qualified astronaut under the Australian flag, and the first woman Australian astronaut.
She joined the ranks of the ATSE Fellowship in 2025, recognising her role as a trailblazer who is reshaping Australia’s space future.
“Katherine is an extraordinary leader and an inspiration to many young Australians,” said ATSE President Dr Cathy Foley AO PSM FTSE FAA.
“She is living her childhood dream – to become an astronaut – a dream which comes from a desire for adventure and a curiosity and love of science.
“We’re proud to have Katherine as part of the ATSE Fellowship and warmly congratulate her on this incredible recognition.”
Ms Bennell-Pegg is a reservist Group Captain in the Royal Australian Air Force and was previously Director of Space Technology at the Australian Space Agency.
She is a prominent ambassador for STEM and the international space sector, and is passionate about inspiring young people about the wonders of space and the many career and study paths that it opens up.
