Sydney, Australia will host the 76th International Astronautical Congress (IAC) from 29 September to 3 October 2025.
This 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.
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.”
The International Astronautical Congress has been organized two times prior in Australia, most recently in 2017 with the 68th IAC in Adelaide and before that the 49th IAC in Melbourne 1998.
The IAF is delighted to return once again to this captivating continent in Oceania and to bring the IAC to the beautiful harbour city, Sydney.
SIAA has already proven to be an excellent host and the 76th IAC vows to be an outstanding event. 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 the 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.”
Image: © Destination NSW.
