Meet the Aussie Astronaut Inspiring a New Generation of Space Dreamers

We know we're not alone in this...  

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For millions of kids (and grown-ups) around the world, looking up at the night sky fills us with wonder. We imagine faraway planets and undiscovered life, and marvel at how the light from some stars has travelled so far and for so long that the star itself may no longer exist by the time it reaches us.

Generations of science fiction have fed our fascination with space, and the untapped potential of what’s out there.

One such space-obsessed kid is my 10-year-old, Tilly. She’s always coming home with new discoveries of her own. So when we were offered the chance to ask Australia’s first female astronaut-in-training a few questions, we knew exactly who should take the reins. Our resident space expert and mini-Kiindred reporter had just one mission: find out what it’s really like (and what it really takes,) to become an Australian astronaut.

Who Is Katherine Bennell-Pegg?

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Katherine Bennell-Pegg is the first person to qualify as an astronaut under the Australian flag. A space systems engineer, she has over 12 years’ experience working across human spaceflight missions and advanced space technologies. In 2023, she began astronaut training with the European Space Agency in Germany, and officially graduated in April 2024 – joining the ranks of the few people in the world qualified for missions to the International Space Station.

A Sydney local and mum of two, Katherine’s journey is a story of resilience, passion, and breaking boundaries. As part of her training, she’s completed survival missions, medical simulations, and even floated in zero gravity. While she’s not guaranteed a seat on a spaceflight just yet, she’s now part of an elite group of astronauts ready to be called up – and is already inspiring a whole new generation to dream big.

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Tilly Asks the Big Questions

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From being brave and studying hard, to personal hygiene and crumbs in space – Tilly asks all the questions every budding astronaut (and space loving grown-up) wants to know. 

An Out-of-This-World Q&A

1) What was the thing that made you want to become an astronaut, and how old were you when you first decided it was what you wanted to do? 

I was about your age when I first dreamed of becoming an astronaut. I loved looking up at the night sky and wondering what it would be like to explore new worlds out there. I thought it would be the greatest adventure of all, and that there was so much that remains to be discovered out there. That sense of curiosity has never left me. 

2) What do you like most about being an astronaut? Is it the science, the adventure, or something else? 

I love that I get to be part of solving problems that need to be solved, being at the forefront of unlocking new knowledge, and doing so in a team from around the world, united in this pursuit. I like the personal challenge of the training and performance, and the continuous learning about so many different topics! 

3) Everyone knows that to be an astronaut you have to be good at science and maths, but what are some of the other things that you’ve had to learn as part of training to be an astronaut? 

You’re right, science and maths are important, but so are operational skills like scuba diving, flying aircraft, operating robotic arms, and speaking different languages. Astronauts also need to be healthy and fit. And most importantly, be good team members, supporting each other and staying calm and making good decisions even when under pressure. 

4) Have you actually been into space before? Do you think it’s scary or exciting? What does your family think about it? 

I haven’t been to space yet, but I’m training in case the opportunity comes. The second-best thing after being in space is training to go up there! 

I’m not scared of going to space. There are sobering risks, but these risks are worth it for the unique discoveries we help make (like new medicines and materials) without gravity or the atmosphere in the way. Astronauts are surrounded by a huge team that trains us to be ready, who ensure the space vehicles and stations operate as safely as possible. I used to be a space engineer for the International Space Station, Gateway and the Orion-ESM – so I have been part of those teams and trust they are doing their best. 

Being an astronaut is a whole family endeavour. My family have seen our astronaut friends launch to space and are part of the community of astronaut

families that all support each other. Should I go to space, it will also be their achievement. 

5) Is there anything that you can’t do in space? 

There are a few things, like you can’t have a shower or bath (and some missions are more than 6 months long!), and you can’t eat things that make lots of crumbs, because they’d float around everywhere and might get into other people’s ears, eyes, or equipment! 

6) Did anyone ever tell you that girls couldn’t be astronauts, and what did you say back? 

Actually, no. When I was a kid, there were already amazing women who were astronauts kicking goals up there. But when we are in the minority, it’s easy to lose confidence, and for people to underestimate us. Prove them wrong. Because they are. I was told there can’t be ‘Australian Astronauts’ though, as when I grew up, we didn’t even have an Australian Space Agency. But I never gave up. And there are so many compelling space jobs now in our country. 

7) What’s the bravest thing you’ve had to do so far while training to become an astronaut? 

I don’t feel I’ve been especially brave, but I’ve certainly been doing my best to perform, as well as working alongside the training to create opportunities for Australia to benefit from human spaceflight. 

8) I am obsessed with space. It’s one of my favourite things and I think I’d like to be an astronaut. What’s the most important thing I should focus on at school right now? 

That’s wonderful to hear! Stay curious and enjoy learning. Science and maths are important, but so are reading, writing, problem-solving, and teamwork. Build a strong foundation. Astronauts these days are STEM professionals first, but also are all-rounders. Use your extracurriculars to push yourself outside your comfort zone. 

9) When things got really hard, what stopped you from giving up? 

Knowing that the effort is worth it. Not just for me, but for what it can do for Australia too. Nothing is handed to you on a plate, and sometimes the hard parts are also the best parts. All of us astronauts helped each other through it; we were all better or worse at different parts of the training. 

10) How do you feel knowing that so many girls are watching you and thinking, “If she can do it, so can I”? 

It makes me feel proud and hopeful. I want every Aussie kid to know that their dreams are worth chasing, no matter how big or different they are. I hope it helps give them the confidence that they don’t have to fit the stereotype or be a superhero to strive.

11) What’s the best part about showing your daughters what women can achieve? 

That they don’t think there’s anything they can’t do. They don’t just see me, but two others in my astronaut class who are women (who were an astrophysicist and a helicopter test pilot before being astronauts!), and the many wonderful women that I work with, too. Gender isn’t a factor for them in considering what they want to do, and I hope it never is. 

12) If you could tell every girl in Australia one thing about chasing her dreams, what would you say? 

Go for it! Have humility, know that you’ll have much to learn on your journey. But back yourself with the knowledge that with enough effort, almost anything is possible. You can truly be anything you can imagine yourself being if you are able to turn your dreams into goals and your goals into actions. As you do so, write your own story. Find and foster the awe that drives you by being curious, being creative, and being imaginative. And enjoy the adventure.

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Thank You, Katherine

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This interview was done in celebration of the International Astronautical Congress, which was held in Sydney in October 2025. We thank Katherine for her incredible, thoughtful answers, and we hope Tilly’s questions spark just as much wonder in your little ones as they did in us!