Two Nations, One Orbit: How Australia and New Zealand are making their mark in the global space sector
25 June 2026 - 25 June 2026
1:30–3 pm
Region(s): Canterbury, Nationwide
Type(s): presentations
Hear from astronaut and 2026 Australian of the Year, Katherine Bennell-Pegg about how Australia and Aotearoa New Zealand are cutting through on the global space stage. Katherine will also share about her journey to becoming a professional astronaut and the lessons from her training that can benefit Australia and New Zealand.
The talk is free but please register here.
Speaker Biography
Katherine Bennell‑Pegg is an Australian astronaut and accomplished space systems engineer, recognized as the first professional astronaut to officially represent Australia and named the 2026 Australian of the Year. She graduated in April 2024 from the European Space Agency’s 13‑month Astronaut Basic Training as part of “The Hoppers” class, after being selected from over 22,500 applicants in 2022.
She currently serves as a Director at the Australian Space Agency, where she has played a key role in advancing the nation’s space capability. Her work includes leading technical planning for the Moon to Mars “Roo‑ver” lunar mission, strengthening Australia’s space strategy, and overseeing initiatives in satellites, infrastructure, and launch systems.
With a 15‑year international career across six countries, Katherine has contributed to a wide range of space programs, including the Orion spacecraft for NASA’s Artemis missions, space station systems, Earth observation, and robotic technologies such as satellite capture and debris removal.
She holds four degrees in science and engineering and an honorary doctorate. A Group Captain in the Air Force Reserve, she has also earned top honors in military training. Beyond her professional work, she volunteers, mentors young engineers, and actively participates in community and international leadership initiatives.
Location: University of Canterbury: C2 Central Lecture Theatre, 20 Kirkwood Avenue, Upper Riccarton, Christchurch
Online Zoom: https://canterbury.zoom.us/j/91818163631?pwd=GAaaMqR2ksMYlCBimPRb0Pb1BRKt4u.1
Online talk starts at 2pm.
Meeting ID: 918 1816 3631
Passcode: 667838
For more information: https://events.humanitix.com/katherinebennell-pegg.
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Our article Aotearoa New Zealand in space introduces a suite of space resources – though created for the middle years – there’s something for everyone. Aotearoa in space – a context for learning provides curriculum information and other pedagogical information to help you get started. This recorded webinar gives a helpful overview of the resources that make up part of the Aotearoa and space content.
See also these articles that introduce other collections of handy resources:
Space revealed – discover the secret lives of planets, stars and galaxies
Investigating satellites – learn about natural and artificial satellites
Investigating rockets – taking science and technology to new heights
For more space related content browse the huge range of resources under these topics: Astronomy, Satellites or Rockets.