Astronaut Inspires Young People at Space Day Out

Katie Spain wrote this article.

The topic is space.

The event happened on Sunday, July 19, 2026, at 7:14 pm.

Astronaut Katherine Bennell-Pegg talked about how important it is to inspire young people to study science and math.

Here is a short summary:

About 2,000 people visited the Australian Space Discovery Centre to learn about space.

The first Space Day Out event had a special guest, astronaut Katherine Bennell-Pegg, who is the 2026 Australian of the Year.

The event wanted to inspire young people to work in science and math in the future.

The Australian Space Agency started Australian Space Week with a new event to inspire young people to work in space exploration.

The first Space Day Out was at the Australian Space Discovery Centre in Adelaide and about 2,000 people came.

Many people met Australian astronaut Katherine Bennell-Pegg, which was very exciting for them.

A 9-year-old boy named Chase from Melbourne was very happy to meet a real astronaut on his birthday.

Chase's dream came true when he met Ms. Bennell-Pegg on Sunday.

Chase said, 'It was so exciting. I love space. I want to be the first person to go to Mars and Pluto.'

Chase wants to visit Mars and Pluto one day.

A young girl named Alice also met Ms. Bennell-Pegg and was very inspired.

Alice said, 'I want to be an astronaut when I grow up. I have wanted to be one since I was three. I want to go to space and walk on the moon.'

Ms. Bennell-Pegg liked Alice's pink and white astronaut costume.

Alice said, 'It was fun. I asked if she was left-handed or right-handed, and she is right-handed.'

Helping the next generation of astronauts is important.

Ms. Bennell-Pegg said it is crucial to inspire young people to study science, math, and other related subjects.

She said, 'We are not using the talent we have in Australia. We need to inspire young people to study science and math.'

Ms. Bennell-Pegg said that space exploration can help keep young people interested in science and math.

Her focus now is on talking to young people and making them excited about space.

She also wants to stay ready for space travel if she gets the chance again.

Ms. Bennell-Pegg talked about Australia working with the European Space Agency and how it can help Australian scientists and engineers.

She said, 'I am excited for what this can do for our scientists, engineers, and future workers.'

For now, she is focused on working on the ground, which is a big part of an astronaut's job.

Alice was very happy to meet Australia's first female astronaut.

How space exploration affects the economy is important.

Chris Picton, the minister for defence and space industries in South Australia, said space is vital for the state's economy.

He said, 'Space is becoming more important, and we want to be at the forefront of it.'

The head of the Australian Space Agency, Enrico Palermo, said space is critical for the nation's economy and defence.

He said, 'Today is a chance for people to learn about space and be inspired to study math and physics.'

South Australia is a leading state in the space industry.

The state has invested a lot in the space sector, including $75 million from the National Reconstruction Fund.

South Australia has a long history in the space sector, including the first flights to space from the Woomera test range.

The state is home to many space-related businesses, including Myriota and Southern Launch.

Enrico Palermo said space is critical for the nation's economy and defence.

Meeting people who work in space can be very inspiring.

Ms. Bennell-Pegg said one common misconception about space is that it is not necessary.

She said, 'Space is important for our economy, daily life, and science.'

She knows how powerful meeting her idols was when she was a child.

Ms. Bennell-Pegg said, 'Becoming an astronaut was my childhood dream.'

She met astronauts Paul Scully-Power and Andy Thomas when she was a child, which inspired her.

She said, 'It was impactful to see that they were real people who worked hard to achieve their dreams.'

The event happened on Sunday, July 19, 2026, at 7:14 pm.

You can find more news on the ABC website.

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