IAC 2025 in Sydney: The World’s Largest Space Event Comes to Australia
The 76th International Astronautical Congress (IAC 2025), the most influential global gathering for the space community, will be held in Sydney, Australia, from September 29 to October 3, 2025. Organised by the International Astronautical Federation (IAF), hosted by the Space Industry Association of Australia (SIAA), and co-hosted by the Australian Space Agency and NSW Government, IAC 2025 marks a defining moment for both the global and regional space sectors.
A Record-Breaking Start
IAC 2025 has already surpassed expectations, with more than 3,000 Early Bird registrations, setting a new record in the congress’s history. This milestone reflects growing enthusiasm in the global space community and highlights the Asia-Pacific region’s strategic role in shaping the future of space.
This year’s conference is themed “Sustainable Space: Resilient Earth,” spotlighting how space-based technologies can contribute to a more sustainable and secure planet. With a forward-looking agenda, the congress will explore a wide range of critical topics, including sustainable space activities, space applications for climate resilience, disaster management, and the long-term viability of human presence beyond Earth.
Key thematic pillars of the congress’s discussions will include;
- Bringing together a diverse ecosystem of industries, sectors, and stakeholders.
Creating strong networking opportunities for global participants. - Highlighting innovation from the dynamic Asia-Pacific region.
- Showcasing cutting-edge technologies and partnerships through a major international exhibition.
- Empowering the next-generation space workforce through targeted engagement and opportunities.
- Strengthening public awareness of space and its societal impact through the dedicated Public Day.
A Powerhouse Programme
IAC 2025 promises an expansive programme featuring high-level plenary and the IAF Global Networking Forum (GNF) sessions, ministerial and agency roundtables, over 200 technical sessions, including Interactive Presentations (IP) to compete for the IAF IP Award. Attendees will benefit from unmatched opportunities for cross-sector dialogue, knowledge exchange, and global exposure.
The IAC 2025 Plenary Programme includes:
- Heads of Agencies One-to-One
A unique opportunity to hear directly from global space agency leaders. (Monday, 29 September – 13:45 to 15:15 AEST – ICC Sydney Theatre) - The Power of First Nations’ Knowledge in Space Sustainability
Exploring Indigenous wisdom as a lens for sustainable development and space stewardship. (Monday, 29 September – 18:15 to 19:15 AEST – ICC Sydney Theatre) - Circular Economy in Space
How Circular Frameworks Can Unlock Innovation and Commercial Value. (Tuesday, 30 September – 09:00 to 10:00 AEST – Pyrmont Theatre) - Living on Another World: Humanity’s Return to the Moon
Exploring future lunar missions and what humanity must learn and build to sustain long-term life beyond Earth. (Tuesday, 30 September – 13:45 to 14:45 AEST – Pyrmont Theatre) - Healing Earth, Envisioning Space: Indigenous Partnerships for a Resilient Future
A discussion on how Indigenous knowledge partnerships can enrich space sustainability strategies and drive regional resilience. ( Wednesday, 1 October – 09:00 to 10:00 AEST – Pyrmont Theatre ) - Designing the Future of Human Spaceflight
A forward-looking session focused on the design principles, technologies, and policies shaping the next phase of human space exploration. (Wednesday, 1 October – 13:45 to 14:45 AEST – Pyrmont Theatre) - Space Sustainability: Regional Priorities, Global Responsibility
Discussing how regional priorities align with global responsibility in space sustainability, governance, and resource management. (Thursday, 2 October – 09:00 to 10:00 AEST – Pyrmont Theatre)
As part of the IAC Plenary Programme, the Late Breaking News (LBN) sessions will showcase the very latest achievements and breakthroughs in the space sector.
Celebrating Global Achievements: IAF World Space Awards
A major highlight of IAC 2025 will be the presentation of the IAF World Space Awards, widely regarded as the “Oscars in Space”, during the Opening Ceremony on 29 September.
- Individual Category: Jeff Bezos, founder of Blue Origin, will be honoured for his visionary leadership and pioneering achievements in reusable launch technology. The successful 2025 launch of New Glenn represents a landmark in sustainable space transportation, aligning closely with this year’s IAC theme.
- Team Category: The Chang’E-6 Mission Team will be recognised for their historic return of lunar samples from the far side of the Moon, a first in human history, marking a new chapter in deep space exploration
Broadening the Space Dialogue
The IAF International Astronauts Chapter will be featured at IAC 2025, offering the public and professionals the rare chance to hear firsthand experiences and perspectives from astronauts around the world. The Chapter stands as a well-established and highly valued initiative created exclusively for astronauts, recognising their unique role as ambassadors of space exploration and human achievement.
Public Day with LEGO
To close the week with creativity and public engagement, IAC 2025 will host a special Public Day on Friday, 3 October, in partnership with LEGO. The event will open the doors of the Congress to the broader community, offering a vibrant day filled with interactive exhibits, educational workshops, and hands-on activities. Expect LEGO-built adventures that inspire curiosity and a deeper understanding of space through play.
The IAC 2025 Venue
The Congress will be held at the ICC Sydney, a world-class, accessible, and sustainability-focused venue offering flexible exhibition spaces, state-of-the-art technology, and sweeping views of Darling Harbour.
Why Attend?
Set against the stunning backdrop of Sydney, a city known for its cultural richness, global connectivity, and thriving tech ecosystem, IAC 2025 offers more than just a conference; it’s a celebration of human ingenuity and cooperation in space.
Whether you’re a scientist, policymaker, entrepreneur, educator, or student, IAC 2025 is where science meets policy, exploration meets innovation, and people meet possibilities.
For more information and to register, visit: www.iac2025.org
About The International Astronautical Federation (IAF)- The Organiser of the IAC
Founded in 1951, the International Astronautical Federation (IAF) is the world’s leading space advocacy body with over 563 Members in 81 countries, including all leading space agencies, industries, research institutions, universities, societies, associations, institutes and museums worldwide. Following its motto “Connecting @ll Space People” and its vision of “A space-faring world cooperating for the benefit of humanity”, the Federation advances knowledge about space, supporting the development and application of space assets by promoting global cooperation.