On a cold night in June 2025, Outback Astronomy welcomed astronaut Katherine Bennell-Pegg of the Australian Space Agency and Alissa Wilcock from the Powerhouse Museum in Sydney. Their visit was brief but inspirational, leaving us with a lasting connection to Katherine’s journey and the opportunities it could open for young Australians.
Now, the #flyKatherine campaign is rallying support for a mission offered by the European Space Agency to send Katherine into space representing Australia. It is an opportunity to advance Australian research and inspire the next generation to explore science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM).
That connection came full circle on 25 October 2026, when Outback Astronomy’s Linda Nadge had the good luck to meet BHP Chair Ross McEwan in Broken Hill and personally thanked him for BHP’s quiet commitment to pledge $1 million towards the campaign. The pledge is conditional on federal support for the mission.
Thank you to Foundation Broken Hill Chair John Lynch OAM for inviting the BHP team to Broken Hill and making this opportunity possible.
For us, the prospect of children across Far West NSW sharing in Katherine’s journey is particularly exciting. We hope students in Broken Hill, Wilcannia, Menindee, Ivanhoe and surrounding communities, including those learning through School of the Air, will have opportunities to connect with the mission and imagine where their own curiosity might lead.
Regional students deserve opportunities to help shape the technologies changing our world. Alongside the practical skills that sustain our communities, we need pathways into science, engineering, robotics, artificial intelligence and space research. Katherine’s journey could help young people see those possibilities—and imagine themselves taking part.
We were fortunate to share some time under our outback skies with Katherine. We would love to see her reach space and take the imaginations of young Australians with her.
Find out more and support the campaign at flykatherine.com.au.
Explore our upcoming night sky sessions and reserve your spot beneath the big Broken Hill skies.
A fair go for Wellington Wellington is a beautiful agricultural district, not far from Orange, one of NSW’s celebrated food and wine destinations. The surrounding countryside supports productive farms, grazing enterprises and families with deep
From a visit under our outback skies to the #flyKatherine campaign, Linda shares why Katherine Bennell-Pegg’s journey matters to regional students.
From satellite spotting under Broken Hill’s dark skies to Starlink communications and space safety, explore the technology transforming our world.
PLUS Ticket Inclusions
– Seating – reclined chair
– Sleeping Bag (in cooler months)
– Loan of an audio unit
– Optics suitable for the event*
– Side table
– Food and beverage service
Extras at Time of Booking
– Ear phones (or bring your own)
– Hot chocolate
– Options for other food, drinks
* Varies according to conditions.
** Only used in reclined chairs.
Standard Ticket Inclusions
– Seating
– Loan of an audio unit
– Optics suitable for the event*
Extras at Time of Booking
– Ear phones (or bring your own)
– Hot chocolate
– Reclined chair
– Reclined chair, sleeping bag**
– Options for other food, drinks
* Varies according to conditions.
** Only used in reclined chairs.
We use an audio system in most of our sky shows.
You should remember to bring your 3.5mm round plug/jack earphones – or you can purchase some when making an online booking if they are required for your event.
The following earphone connectors are not suitable – flat-style Apple Lightning, USB, Bluetooth or WiFi.
