The RMIT community recently had the pleasure and benefit of hosting Australian of the Year (2026), Katherine Bennell-Pegg, as has been featured in RMIT news.
At the event Katherine mentioned current RMIT space projects including ALEPH-1 and Roo-ver, described at Moon to Mars Science and Technology Research Group (M2MIST).
The event inspired many of those who attended - who either are thinking of working within, or already involved with, the space industry sector.
After the event, aerospace engineering undergraduate, Amelia Hirte – who has assisted with the ALEPH-1 project, stated: “Although it is often said that you should never meet your heroes, meeting my hero, Katherine Bennell-Pegg during her visit to RMIT was an incredible experience that I will hold on to throughout my career. As a young engineer having the opportunity to speak to someone who has achieved many, if not all, of my career goals was a powerful affirmation that if I work hard enough, I too can see the successes Katherine has. Her friendly manner and willingness to listen gave me the ability to ask question about career pathways and stepping stones that helped me plan for my future post-graduate life. This meeting solidified my passion for a career in the space industry and has motivated me to work even harder to get there.”
Figure 1 Aerospace engineering undergraduate, Amelia Hirte, with Katherine Bennell-Pegg at RMIT.
The event was catalysed by the manager of the Space Industry Hub, Zara Hamon (Figure 2), who said: “I really wanted to bring Katherine Bennell-Pegg to RMIT because I knew that her visit could have a positive impact on our students and staff. It's not often you have an opportunity to hear directly from someone helping shape Australia's future in space, and I wanted our community to be inspired by her journey and see the exciting opportunities that exist in the sector. It was also a chance to highlight the important role RMIT plays in supporting Australia's sovereign space capability through education, research and strong industry partnerships.”
Figure 2. Space Industry Hub manager, Zara Hamon with Katherine Bennell-Pegg.
News item written 3rd July 2026.
