Federal Government announces “final bid” on funding historic Aussie space mission for Katherine Bennell-Pegg

The Albanese Government has been accused of haggling with the European Space Agency, like a diner trying to cheap-skate on a restaurant bill, over the cost of getting Australian astronaut Katherine Bennell-Pegg a seat on a space mission.

If an agreement is reached with the ESA for a launch date in 2028 on an International Space Station mission, the 2026 Australian of the Year would become the first astronaut to travel to space under the Australian flag.

Dr Andy Thomas and Paul Scully-Power, both Australian-born, went to space under the Stars and Stripes as US citizens on NASA missions.

Having already been given a price tag by the ESA, estimated to be at least $100 million, Science Minister Tim Ayres confirmed on Friday the Government had “submitted a final bid”.

“We are grateful for the opportunity to apply for this important project. It is an important opportunity. It does require careful fiscal management and making sure that we are balancing the fiscal pressures appropriately,” Mr Ayres said.

Ms Bennell-Pegg was selected by the European Space Agency in 2022 from more than 22,000 applicants and received an invitation to join the agency’s human space flight program in a proposed partnership with the Australian Government.

Speaking to The Nightly On earlier this year, the Director of Space Technology at the Australian Space Agency said stumping up the price of the seat was bigger than just securing a ticket.

“It’s not just about a ticket to space, it’s about a program of research, science, education, diplomacy and supply chain access, and the astronaut is the piece that enables such a program,” Ms Bennell-Pegg said.

“The Australian Space Agency’s exploration program is returning $7 for every $1 that’s been invested in it, so it’s an investment in the future.”

Science & Technology Australia CEO Ryan Winn agreed, offering an endorsement of the expenditure on behalf of the nation’s peak body representing more than 235,000 scientists and technologists.

“Australia has deep specialisations in space and technology industries. A mission that includes Australian experiments and technology would give our researchers and businesses valuable opportunities to test their work in space and collaborate with international partners,” Mr Winn said.

“These opportunities can help turn Australian research into new technologies, build expertise here at home and strengthen our contribution to the global space industry.”

A grassroots campaign to convince the Government of the value of such an undertaking has been led by the International Space Centre at the University of WA and has amassed support from leading figures in the space industry and chief scientists.

It is understood the “flyKatherine” campaign reached a reported $25 million this week.

Campaign spokesperson Larissa Wiese said the Albanese Government’s offer was “an important step” but questions remained.

“The questions now are how much new funding the Commonwealth is committing, whether ESA has indicated the offer is workable, and what flexibility exists to reach an agreement,” Mrs Wiese said.

“Good negotiations can deliver value for Australia. Success will be an agreement that secures the mission and the research, industry and education opportunities that come with it.”

Mrs Wiese said the campaign wanted clarity on whether the Government’s offer to the ESA represented “a realistic pathway to an agreement”.

“We recognise that the Government must weigh competing budget priorities. The support assembled around this mission gives it an incredible foundation on which to build, and absolute value for the taxpayer,” Mrs Wiese said.

Another thing worth considering is the opportunity cost of not coming to an agreement with the ESA — it could be decades before Australia has another opportunity.

“The ISS is coming to the end of its life in 2030 or thereabouts . . . and space agencies around the world are putting their astronauts on all the remaining seats,” Ms Bennell-Pegg said. “There are very few seats left.”