The #flyKatherine campaign has recognised the Australian Government’s offer to the European Space Agency as an important step towards securing a mission for Australian astronaut Katherine Bennell-Pegg.
The campaign said the announcement creates an opportunity to bring government, industry, philanthropy and research together behind a mission with lasting benefits for Australians.
“Minister Ayres has taken an important step by putting an Australian offer to ESA. We welcome that progress and want to see these discussions succeed,” campaign spokesperson Larissa Wiese said.
“This is an opportunity to open doors for Australian researchers and businesses, build our expertise and give young Australians a powerful reason to pursue science and engineering.
“Industry, philanthropists, universities and community supporters have dug into their own pockets because they recognise those benefits. Their contributions give the government an opportunity to deliver a national mission with additional value for taxpayers. I think it's important to recognise how remarkable that industry, philanthropic and academic support has been - where else in the world would you have seen this kind of activity?”
The campaign said the next step was to establish whether the offer provides a realistic pathway to an agreement.
“The questions now are how much new funding the Commonwealth is committing, whether ESA has indicated the offer is workable, and what flexibility exists to reach an agreement,” Mrs Wiese said.
“Good negotiations can deliver value for Australia. Success will be an agreement that secures the mission and the research, industry and education opportunities that come with it.”
The campaign called for clarity on:
The Commonwealth’s financial contribution, separate from philanthropic, industry and state support.
Any outstanding funding conditions and the timetable for reaching an agreement.
Whether the government will continue negotiations if ESA cannot accept the current offer.
The opportunities the agreement would secure for Australian research, businesses and education.
“We recognise that the government must weigh competing budget priorities. The support assembled around this mission gives it a strong foundation on which to build, and absolute value for the taxpayer.
“We want Minister Ayres and the government to succeed in securing this opportunity. Today is a step forward. We are ready to support them to turn that step into a mission.”
Some donors have asked for their contributions to remain confidential, so we cannot publish a detailed fundraising breakdown. What we can say is that non-federal support for the campaign stands at approximately $25 million in cash and in-kind commitments across state governments, industry, philanthropy and universities. That is a remarkable collective investment in Australia’s future and adds substantial value for taxpayers.
Benefits for Australia
Research that benefits everyday Australians:
Opportunities for Australian experiments in microgravity, helping researchers understand disease, develop medicines and test new materials.
Opportunities for Australian businesses
A platform to demonstrate technology, build international partnerships and pursue work in global space supply chains.
More Australian sovereign expertise
Hands-on experience in mission operations, space medicine and advanced engineering, building capabilities with applications across health, resources, manufacturing and defence.
A stronger STEM pipeline
A national mission that connects classroom learning to real Australian experiments and careers, encouraging more young people—particularly girls—to pursue science and engineering.
Greater national resilience
Developing the expertise and international relationships Australia needs as it becomes increasingly dependent on space for communications, navigation, weather forecasting and disaster response.
Stronger international partnerships
Deeper cooperation with ESA and participating nations, creating pathways for future Australian research and technology.
Benefits across the country
Australian payloads, education programs and public engagement can connect metropolitan, regional and remote communities to the mission.
Additional value for taxpayers
Approximately $25 million in non-federal cash and in-kind commitments across states, industry, philanthropy and universities would strengthen the Commonwealth’s investment and the mission’s legacy.
Mission Contributors
Please email riss.wiese@uwa.edu.au for donor contacts.
ARC Centre of Excellence in Plants for Space
BHP
Dick and Pip Smith Foundation
Fogarty Foundation
Forrest Research Foundation
MECCA
Monash University
Nova Systems
Operandi Consulting
Ord Minnett
Saber Astronautics
Scully Power Family
Space Industry Association of Australia
UWA
Foundation for the WA Museum