Sydney, Australia will host the 76th International Astronautical Congress (IAC), the International Astronautical Federation (IAF)’s premier global space event from 29 September to 3 October 2025. The countdown to the world’s biggest space event coming to Sydney has begun in earnest and follows the signing of the agreement between the International Astronautical Federation (IAF) and the Space Industry Association of Australia (SIAA), backed by the Australian Space Agency and the NSW Government. 

Commonly described as the Olympics of space, this prestigious event is the where the world’s space community gathers to access the latest space advancements and trends, academic works, industry connections, and partnership opportunities. 

IAF Executive Director, Christian Feichtinger, said, “Sydney, Australia is the perfect host for IAC 2025, and will deliver on the IAF’s vision of sustainability, investment, and security.” 

Australia has hosted the IAC twice in its history – initially with the 49th IAC Melbourne 1998, and secondly with the 68th IAC Adelaide 2017. Hosting a third time with the 76th IAC Sydney 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. 

SIAA’s Executive Chairman, Jeremy Hallett remarked, “Over the next two years, we will see more Australian space companies launching into orbit than in our entire history, proving Australia is on an incredible growth trajectory and is developing sovereign space capabilities which are critical to our nation’s economic advancement, resilience and security”. 

From 4,500 delegates hailing from 84 countries in Adelaide in 2017, IAC Sydney 2025 expects to deliver a minimum fifty per cent increase in attendance (circa 7,000+ delegates) from over 100 countries, with over half of the attendees under 35 years of age. 

The theme of IAC Sydney 2025 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 Asia Pacific region, inspiring and engaging our next generation’s space workforce, engaging a broad range of industries, and educating the community about ‘why space matters’ through the IAC’s open day. 

Australian Space Agency Head, Enrico Palermo, said, “Australia’s space ecosystem looks very different to what it did the last time we hosted the IAC. IAC 2017 saw the announcement of the Australian Space Agency, which has driven remarkable growth of our industry and space infrastructure.” 

“IAC 2025 gives us a platform to show the world how far Australia has come, as well as spotlighting the opportunity that exists for the entire Asia-Pacific region to contribute even further to global space endeavours.” 

“It also provides a unique chance for us to engage the community and demonstrate how space is essential to maintaining and improving our everyday lives, as well as making our economy stronger and our industries more advanced.” 

NSW Minister for Industry and Trade, Anoulack Chanthivong, said, “NSW is home to over 30 per cent of the nation’s space businesses, so we’re well placed to host this crucial international meeting. We look forward to welcoming the international space community to Sydney in 2025 and showcasing the huge opportunities available in our region. IAC Sydney 2025 isn’t just an event, it’s a unique chance to highlight our leadership and the big benefits a growing and vibrant space industry can deliver to NSW and the nation.” 

SIAA’s Executive Chairman, Jeremy Hallett, is available for further comment. 

-ENDS- 

IAF 

Founded in 1951, the International Astronautical Federation is the world’s leading space advocacy body with 513 Members from 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 astronautics for peaceful purposes and supports the dissemination of scientific and technical information related to space. 

SIAA 

The Space Industry of Australia is the national peak body for the space industry in Australia. Formed in 1992, SIAA hosted the 68th International Astronautical Congress in Adelaide in 2017 which led to the establishment of the Australian Space Agency in 2018. SIAA and its member companies work closely with Australian governments, international partners, academia, and industry to advance Australia’s space industry and economy. In 2025, SIAA will host the 76th International Astronautical Congress in Sydney.