What is it really like to be an astronaut? How do you even become one? What happens when an argument breaks out on the International Space Station? And why are big fashion brands clamouring to design for space? As NASA prepares to return humans to the moon for the first time in 50 years, we hear from a panel of superstar astronauts about life in space.

This astronauts' forum was recorded at Sydney Science Festival on 2 October 2025, presented by Sydney's Powerhouse Museum.

Speakers

Katherine Bennell-Pegg Director Space Technology, Australian Space Agency, 2026 Australian of the Year

Joseph Acaba NASA's chief astronaut, member of NASA Artemis Mission

Koichi Wakata Chief technology officer, Asia-Pacific region, Axiom Space, first Japanese commander of the International Space Station

Tibor Kapu Astronaut, mechanical engineer, mission specialist for Axiom Mission 4

Rae Johnston (host) Science and technology journalist, presenter, Download This Show ABC Radio National