The Australian Defence Force (ADF) is calling for recruits to join its space command, offering two new positions: an operations officer to plan and support missions, and an operations specialist skilled in equipment. Space command is now treated as a vital defence domain alongside air, land, sea, and cyber operations. Matt Keogh, the minister for veterans affairs and defence personnel, said, "One small step into space operations means a giant leap in capability for our ADF." He added, "These exciting new roles will grow the ADF’s capabilities in space operations, a critical domain as we respond to the most challenging strategic environment since the second world war." The ADF relies on space systems for meteorology, communications, intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance, targeting, positioning, navigation, and timing. Successful candidates will train at the defence space and cyber school in the Florence McKenzie Building at HMAS Harman in Canberra. This new, purpose-built facility honors Australia’s first female electrical engineer and signalling pioneer. This announcement comes after astronaut Katherine Bennell-Pegg was named Australian of the Year for 2026. Bennell-Pegg is the first Australian to qualify as an astronaut through the national space program, the country’s first female astronaut, and a reservist in the Royal Australian Air Force. She has said she was inspired by astronauts Paul Scully-Power and Andy Thomas, who grew up in Australia but flew to space as US citizens. Reflecting on her achievement, Bennell-Pegg said, "When I received my blue flight suit, and right there, bright on the left shoulder was the Australian flag, it was quite emotional, because it marked something so much greater than myself."