Astronaut Katherine Bennell-Pegg named Australian of the Year for 2026

The Guardian - World NewsCenter-LeftEN 3 min read 100% complete by Australian Associated PressJanuary 25, 2026 at 12:21 PM

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Katherine Bennell-Pegg, Australia's first astronaut to train under the Australian flag, has been named Australian of the Year for 2026. The 41-year-old space scientist, inspired by previous Australian-born astronauts who flew as US citizens, graduated from the European Space Agency's astronaut program in 2024. Bennell-Pegg hopes to use the award to inspire young Australians to pursue their dreams and advance Australia's role in space exploration. The award was presented at a ceremony in Canberra, where outgoing Australian of the Year, Neale Daniher, was unable to attend due to his battle with motor neurone disease. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese announced a new government-funded program, the Neale Daniher MND clinical network, to combat the disease.

Key Entities & Roles

Key Player Opposition Context

Anthony Albanese 40% United States 40% Sydney ×240% European Space Agency 50% Canberra ×250% Andy Thomas 60% Neale Daniher ×360% Paul Scully-Power 60% Australian of the Year ×280% Australia ×390% Katherine Bennell-Pegg ×7100%

Keywords

astronaut 100% katherine bennell-pegg 90% australian of the year 90% space 80% space flight 70% australian flag 60% aeronautical engineering 60% motor neurone disease 50% neale daniher 50% european space agency 40%