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NSW Minister for Innovation, Science and Technology, Anoulack Chanthivong, has thrown his support behind a recent public campaign to send Australian of the Year, RAAF group captain and astronaut Katherine Bennell-Pegg on a space mission.
A public and industry-led campaign was launched late last month to implore the Australian government to partner with the European Space Agency to send ESA-trained astronaut Bennell-Pegg on an ESA mission.
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It’s understood that Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has already received a formal offer, with a four-week deadline, from the head of ESA for a co-operative agreement on a flight to space.
Minister Chanthivong, speaking at a space industry event on 4 March, confirmed his support for the initiative to promote the space industry and aerospace education for youth.
“Well, can I just say, Katherine Bennell-Pegg, what an accomplishment, not only for her, but I think for all Australians to be recognised in Australian of the Year is a great honour,” he said.
“And I think she’s a great role model, inspiration for all Australians, younger Australians to get into the space industry, but in particular, I think for young girls as well, that is, there is a future for them if they choose to be in this (aerospace) division.
“In terms of a public campaign. I think it’s a wonderful thing to do. Having our first female astronaut into space would be a wonderful achievement, not only for Katherine, but I think for the nation as well. So, we should continue to support her and support the campaign.”
The public campaign has claimed that there is a ‘generational strategic and economic opportunity for Australia’ to support Bennell-Pegg on an ESA mission.
“An ESA–Australian space mission aligns squarely with the government’s priorities in sovereign capability, productivity, advanced manufacturing, and strengthening international partnerships,” according to a campaign statement.
“Similar arrangements are used by Canada and Japan to secure major missions without capital outflow.
“The risk to Australia is not in acting; it is in not acting. Rejecting an ESA offer would forfeit a once-in-a-generation chance to strengthen a major alliance, catalyse a STEM recovery, and build sovereign capability with high national returns; supporting rather than competing with urgent priorities such as cost of living.
“As ESA flight opportunities narrow with the ISS approaching its planned deorbit in 2030, European astronauts remain mission-ready through active programs, while Australia risks allowing its only astronaut to lose operational currency in the absence of a formal relationship.
“This is a chance to forge a unifying narrative of ambition, innovation and partnership.”
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