Katherine Bennell-Pegg, the ASA’s director of space technology, is the first Australian to train as an astronaut under the Australian flag.

The painting depicts the moment a Wirraway used tracer fire during the Battle of Wau in New Guinea – thought to be the first example of forward air control in military history.

In comes after Orbit’s unique satellite-launching 747 failed after taking off from Cornwall in south-west England earlier this year. A later investigation revealed a simple fuel filter dislodged mid-launch, leading to the loss of all nine payloads onboard.

The deal, which includes pay increases of between 14 and 18 per cent over three years, as well as an extra six days off per year, recognition for unpaid standby time, and overtime after nine hours, comes after months of negotiations and an intervention by Virgin founder Sir Richard Branson.