Engineers Australia has congratulated astronaut Katherine Bennell-Pegg FIEAust on being named the 2026 Australian of the Year, recognising her as the first person to train and qualify as an astronaut under the Australian flag.
Bennell-Pegg is an aeronautical and space engineer and a fellow of Engineers Australia. In 2025, she was also named South Australian Professional Engineer of the Year by Engineers Australia, acknowledging her professional contributions to the engineering sector.
Engineers Australia National President and Board Chair Tom Goerke said Bennell-Pegg’s achievements reflected both personal perseverance and the broader role of engineers in advancing global innovation.
“Congratulations to Katherine Bennell-Pegg. Her leadership as an aeronautical and space engineer in the space sector demonstrates the significant contribution Australian engineers make to the profession both here and the world stage,” Goerke said.
Goerke noted that Bennell-Pegg was selected from more than 22,500 applicants to participate in the European Space Agency’s astronaut training program in 2024.
“Katherine was selected from a pool of more than 22,500 applicants to participate in the European Space Agency’s training program in 2024 and is now part of a select group of astronauts that could be selected for a mission into space – her achievements demonstrating how invaluable engineers are for some of humanity’s greatest endeavours,” he said.
Engineers Australia Chief Engineer Katherine Richards AM CSC also welcomed the announcement, highlighting Bennell-Pegg’s role in promoting engineering and science careers to younger Australians.
“I provide my heartfelt congratulations to Katherine Bennell-Pegg, a trailblazer in every sense of the word. She has achieved remarkable personal success while still taking the time to present to students around the country about the incredible careers that engineering can offer,” Richards said.
She added that Bennell-Pegg’s career reflected the growth of Australia’s space sector over the past decade.
“When we consider that when Katherine was a child Australia didn’t have a space agency or a training centre, it’s remarkable what she has achieved against all odds,” Mrs Richards said.
In an interview with Engineers Australia’s create magazine in early 2025, Bennell-Pegg reflected on the role of engineers in space, saying they are able to create “order from chaos” and apply their skills to expand opportunities for future missions.
She also described engineers in space as “space tradies”, noting their practical role in solving problems and installing equipment in orbit.
Engineers Australia said it would continue to follow Bennell-Pegg’s work and advocacy for the profession, describing her Australian of the Year recognition as an opportunity to highlight engineering’s contribution to national and international progress.
