Thursday, 11 July 2024

MEDIA RELEASE:

Australia’s eminent space leaders assembled to further the success of IAC 2025 in Sydney, Australia

Space Industry Association of Australia (SIAA) has established the IAC25 Consultation (IACC) working group, comprising Australia’s eminent and diverse space leaders.

The IACC is designed to further the overall success of the 76th International Astronautical Congress (IAC 2025), the International Astronautical Federation’ (IAF)’s premier global space event which will take place from 29 September to 3 October 2025 in Sydney, Australia.

This prestigious event gathers the world’s space community to access the latest space advancements and trends, academic works, industry connections, and partnership opportunities. IAC 2025 aims to grow Australia’s space ecosystem by creating local and international business opportunities and build advocacy and support for the space ecosystem across the broader IndoPacific region.

This is made possible by attracting a diverse audience of globally significant public, private and academic organisations, investors, and space leaders to engage with the Australian space industry.

IACC members will provide specialised guidance sought by the IAC 2025 Local Organizing Committee (LOC) which includes representatives of SIAA, the IAC 2025 host, and Australian Space Agency and NSW Government, the IAC 2025 co-hosts.

IACC members bring a unique combination of expertise and achievements in the Australian space industry and were selected for their in-depth knowledge on IACs, First Nations, industry, youth, young professionals, academia, and space law.

Current members include:

• David Ball GAICD, Regional Director Australia and New Zealand, Lockheed Martin Space
• Dr Kirsten Banks, Science Communicator at AstroKirsten
• Michael Davis AO, Chair, The Andy Thomas Space Foundation
• Professor Melissa de Zwart, Professor, University of Adelaide | Deputy Director, ARC Centre of Excellence in Plants for Space
• Professor Steven Freeland, Emeritus Professor of International Law, Western Sydney University | Professorial Fellow, Bond University | Director International Institute of Space Law
• Dr Alice Gorman FSA FAHA, Associate Professor, Flinders University
• Patrick Grave, Quantitative Trader, Optiver | Director, Melbourne Space Program
• Donna Lawler, Principal at Azimuth Advisory
• Kaylee Li, Asia-Pacific Regional Executive Secretary, Space Generation Advisory Council | Founder & Project Lead, Sydney Interplanetary Rover Initiative
• Dr Naomi Mathers, Director, Industry Liaison and Member Services, International Centre for Complex Project Management | Deputy Chair, Centre of Excellence for CubeSats, UAVs and their Applications (CUAVA)
• Professor Anna Moore FTSE, Director, ANU Institute for Space
• Professor Deen Sanders OAM, Partner, Deloitte | Adjunct Professor, University of Newcastle

Additional IACC members may be invited over the coming months.

SIAA Chair and LOC Chair, Jeremy Hallett, said, “I am delighted to welcome this distinguished group of leaders to the IACC and look forward to drawing on their skills, knowledge, and expertise as we develop an experience that embodies the IAF’s guiding principles and unlocks opportunities from the increased investment in innovation in space by governments and private industry.”

SIAA Chair and LOC Chair, Jeremy Hallett, is available for further comment.

-ENDS-

International Astronautical Federation (IAF)

Founded in 1951, the International Astronautical Federation is the world’s leading space advocacy body with more than 510 members in 77 countries, including all leading space agencies, companies, research institutions, universities, societies, associations, institutes and museums worldwide.

Following its motto “Connecting @ll Space People” and its theme “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. As organizer of the annual International Astronautical Congress (IAC) – world’s premier global space event – and other thematic events, the IAF actively encourages the development of space activities for peaceful purposes and supports the dissemination of scientific and technical information related to space.

Space Industry Association of Australia (SIAA)

Founded in 1992, the Space Industry of Australia is the national peak body for the space industry in Australia. SIAA and its member companies work closely with Australian governments, international partners, academia, and industry to advance Australia’s space industry and economy. SIAA hosted the 68th International Astronautical Congress in Adelaide, Australia in 2017, where the establishment of the Australian Space Agency was announced and is proud to host the 76th International Astronautical Congress in Sydney, Australia from 29 September to 3 October 2025.

International Astronautical Congress (IAC)

Australia has hosted the IAC twice in its history – initially with the 49th IAC 1998 in Melbourne, and secondly with the 68th IAC 2017 in Adelaide. Hosting a third time with the 76th IAC 2025 in Sydney from 29 September to 3 October 2025 is a generational opportunity to showcase to all Australians – and the world – the rapid progress of Australia’s space industry and how space-enabled services are fundamental to Australia’s way of life.

From 4,500 delegates hailing from 84 countries at IAC 2017 in Adelaide, IAC 2025 in Sydney expects to deliver a minimum fifty per cent increase in attendance from over 100 countries, with over half of the attendees under 35 years of age.

The theme of IAC 2025 in Sydney is “Sustainable Space : Resilient Earth” which will set the stage for important discussions such as: space-based application for earth; sustainable space activities; and sustaining life off earth. Key focus areas include: showcasing the Indo-Pacific region; engaging a broad range of space adjacent industries; inspiring and engaging our next generation’s space workforce; and educating the community about ‘why space matters’ with fun events for all ages through the IAC’s open-to-everyone day on 3 October 2025.