Lot Fourteen has its own Australian of the Year!

The 2026 Australian of the Year is Astronaut, Katherine Bennell-Pegg. Based at Lot Fourteen, at the Australian Space Agency, Bennell-Pegg is helping shape Australia’s role in the global space sector from right here in South Australia.

Katherine Bennell-Pegg is making history as the first Australian to qualify as an astronaut under Australia’s space program, opening pathways for others to follow.

Katherine graduated from Basic Astronaut Training in 2024 as part of a class of six trained by the European Astronaut Centre in Germany, the first international candidate to do so. She was initially chosen for the program from a field of over 22,500 applicants.

Katherine has harboured ambitions of becoming an astronaut since she was a young child. As a space engineer, she has advanced multiple space missions and technologies.

Alongside her career achievements, Katherine is an energetic champion for Australia’s space program, regularly presenting to audiences of schoolchildren and industry leaders to inspire the next generation and create new opportunities.

Katherine, 41, is a genuine trailblazer in Australia’s emerging space industry. With her determination and drive to succeed, she is a powerful example for young Australians.

National Australia Day Council CEO Mr Mark Fraser AO CVO congratulated the 2026 Australian of the Year Award recipients.

“The 2026 Australians of the Year are visionaries. Their motivations and goals go far beyond their own interests and achievements. Rather, they are driven by outcomes which benefit others,” said Mr Fraser.

“Katherine is forging new frontiers for Australians in space engineering, research and exploration. Her work is shaping the future not only in space, but in everyday life through the impact of research and development. She leads by example, openly sharing her story to inspire the next generation and reminding us all of the power of a dream, and where determination can lead.”