Katherine Bennell-Pegg is the first professional astronaut to represent Australia and remains the only Australian woman to have ever qualified as a professional astronaut. Since returning to Australia in mid-2024 following her astronaut selection, training and qualification with the European Space Agency, Katherine has travelled across Australia to inform and inspire about space and STEM. Katherine currently works at the Australian Space Agency. Her space systems engineering career spans 15 years across space agencies and industry. She has developed space programs and strategies, technologies, and missions across 6 countries. She holds four degrees across science (physics major), space and aeronautical engineering, as well as an Honorary Doctorate in Engineering. She is also a Group Captain in the Air Force Reserve.