Astronaut inspires Indigenous space academy students
Monash University welcomed 2026 Australian of the Year Katherine Bennell-Pegg, the first astronaut to represent Australia, who recently visited the National Indigenous Space Academy at its Clayton campus.
The academy is a pioneering Monash-led program creating pathways for First Nations students to gain hands-on experience with leading international space organisations and pursue careers in space science, engineering and technology.
Chris Lawrence, Professor of Practice in Space Innovation and Security Capabilities, said Monash was helping expand access to Australia’s space sector while building global capability.
“Monash is pioneering pathways like the National Indigenous Space Academy that open the space industry to a broader and more diverse cohort of students across Australia,” Professor Lawrence said.
“Through expanding international partnerships, including placements at NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory and new opportunities with the UK’s Rutherford Appleton Laboratory, the National Indigenous Space Academy continues to grow its national reach and impact, equipping students to help Australia lead in satellite communications, space surveillance, Earth observation and climate monitoring.”
As a 2025 NISA crew member, Keira Moran, a proud Yuin woman, undertook a 10-week placement at NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory in California, working alongside leading scientists and engineers on space research.
“Working at NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory proved to me that there is a place for First Nations people in the global space industry,” Ms Moran said.
Space education opportunities
“Bringing different perspectives and knowledge systems into how we explore and understand space makes way for greater scientific advancement.”
Since launching in 2023, NISA has provided space education opportunities for Indigenous Australian STEM students, with funding from the Australian Space Agency, and additional support from CSIRO, the Andy Thomas Foundation and Boeing.
