South Australian Space Industry Centre names Campbell Pegg as its new director of space

The husband of Australia’s first “Aussie” astronaut, Katherine Bennell-Pegg, has been appointed the new director of space at the South Australian Space Industry Centre (SASIC).

Campbell Pegg has spent 15 years in the space industry across five countries, and was most recently assistant director for satellite engineering at Optus. He’s worked in leadership positions across government, commercial and startup sectors, including the Australian Space Agency and Fleet Space Technologies.

SASIC is part of the South Australian government department Defence SA as a focal point for both local industry and international companies and organisations. 

CEO Matt Opie said Campbell’s strong background in the space sector and international experience would be an asset to the agency.

“We are thrilled to welcome Campbell to the team. His technical expertise in spacecraft engineering and passion for developing the Australian space sector makes him an ideal leader as we look to capitalise on new technologies while further establishing our industry and capabilities on the global stage,” he said.

Pegg, lives at West Beach near Adelaide airport with his two daughters and wife, Katherine 

“South Australians are at the forefront of the national space sector and are absolutely punching above their weight on the world stage when it comes to space,” he said. 

“I look forward to supporting the state to harness this capability to support not just economic complexity but also our South Australian way of life.”

Last year Bennell-Pegg fulfilled a 20-year ambition to become the first qualified astronaut under the Australian flag after completing her training at the European Space Agency’s Astronaut Centre in Germany, qualifying for a trip to the International Space Station.

While Adelaide-born Andy Thomas, was part of four NASA space missions, he did them as a US citizen.

Campbell Pegg has some advice for the next generation considering a career in space.

“Like many young Australians who grew up with stars in their eyes, I left Australia to pursue a space career overseas, but now there are incredible space jobs right here in South Australia,” he said.

“I want South Australians to know they can work on cutting-edge space technology to solve our greatest global challenges right here at home.”