Katherine Bennell-Pegg is the 2026 Australian of the Year and the first professional astronaut to officially represent Australia. Hear her reflections on the future of Australia’s space sector and paving the way for future generations of women in space.

The conversation will draw on insights from the National Library of Australia’s Women in the Space Industry Oral History Collection, highlighting the lived experiences of women shaping Australia’s presence in space. Explore what it means to stand on the global stage and navigate a traditionally male dominated field.

Katherine will appear in conversation with Neil Hart, where they explore the surprising ways space innovation delivers impact back on Earth.

This event is in partnership with Canberra Cyber Hub and Australian Space Agency.

Attend in person

Entry to this event is free but bookings are essential.

Watch online

The presentation will also be available online. Please make a booking and we will send you a direct link to the livestream event via email. Or you can join anytime through the Library's YouTube channel. 

About Katherine Bennell-Pegg

Katherine Bennell-Pegg is an Australian astronaut and space systems engineer. Her career as a space systems engineer spans 15 years in space agencies and industry developing space programs and strategies, technologies, and missions (all phases and covering robotics, human spaceflight, in-situ resource utilisation, robotic space debris removal, earth observation, exploration, microgravity payloads and science) across six countries (including those in Europe, UK, US and Australia).

Katherine is a Director at the Australian Space Agency, where she has contributed to growing Australia's space capability as technical lead on scoping the Moon to Mars Trailblazer "Roo-ver" lunar mission, developing plans to capitalise on Australia’s space and technology strengths, and managing the Access to Space team (including satellite, infrastructure and launch capability uplift activities).

She holds four degrees across science (physics major), space and aeronautical engineering, as well as an Honorary Doctorate in Engineering. Katherine is passionate about using human spaceflight and space to unlock opportunities for researchers and industry, grow Australia's STEM workforce, and help raise the level of aspiration amongst the next generation.

About Neil Hart

Neil Hart

Neil Hart is a Director at the Canberra Cyber Hub and formerly a Professor in Defence Technologies at Deakin University. He is a highly respected strategic leader, with an extensive background working with all levels of government as well as industry in strategy, policy, capability, governance and organisational transformation.