Astronaut awarded SA Aussie of the Year

Australia’s first female astronaut, Katherine Bennell-Pegg, has been awarded South Australia’s prestigious Australian of the Year for her groundbreaking achievement in the space industry after training at the European Space Agency. Recognized for inspiring the next generation, she graduated from a competitive program with only six astronauts. Other awardees included meteorological researcher Malcolm Benoy as Senior Australian of the Year, mental health advocate Chloe Wyatt-Jasper as Young Australian of the Year, and Ayesha Fariha Safdar as Local Hero. The SA winners will compete in the national awards on January 25, 2026.

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