Christopher Ward

Katherine Bennell-Pegg is a representative of all Australians, our future as a first-rate country, and that includes our future in space. I got to know her during my time in Washington as ambassador. She is well-regarded by NASA and the entire international space community. This project makes long-term economic sense for Australia beyond the usual sensibilities of the Treasury bean counters. Space represents a major new industry opportunity for Australia’s future — as a launch site given our unique geography, in satellite technology where we already have great companies, and across the range of geo-spatial applications in this age of artificial intelligence. Participating in this program also supports our national interest in space science, where our universities are already leading edge.  But most importantly, our brightest and best young people need a sign that Australia is serious about maintaining its position in the top tier of nations. And that we have the national imagination to become a bigger, bolder version of ourselves. We can no longer afford to be the complacent country in building the industries of the future.  When our young people see and hear Katherine aboard the ISS, it will achieve more for the cause of Australian science and innovation than any advertising campaign ever could. This therefore is a Team Australia mission. And I’d encourage all levels of government and our corporate leadership to get behind it to make it happen.