The world’s largest and most influential space gathering, the 76th International Astronautical Congress (IAC), is set to take place in Sydney, Australia, from 29 September to 3 October 2025.
This milestone event is organised by the International Astronautical Federation (IAF) and hosted by the Space Industry Association of Australia (SIAA), in collaboration with the Australian Space Agency and the NSW Government.
Returning to Australian shores for the first time in nearly a decade, IAC 2025 arrives at a pivotal time for the global space sector.
With space activity rapidly expanding across government, commercial, and academic spheres, the Asia-Pacific region – and Australia in particular – is positioning itself as a strategic player in the next phase of human and robotic space exploration.
Interest in IAC 2025 has already broken records. More than 3,000 'early bird' registrations were recorded ahead of the Congress – the highest in IAC history. The response signals robust momentum across the international space community and reflects growing recognition of the Asia-Pacific’s role in shaping the future of space.
The Congress theme “Sustainable Space: Resilient Earth” captures this spirit of global responsibility and innovation, setting the tone for a forward-looking programme addressing sustainability in both Earth-based and off-planet activities.
IAC 2025 will explore how space-based technologies can enhance Earth’s sustainability and security, tackling issues such as climate resilience, disaster management, and the long-term viability of human space presence. The Congress is expected to draw thousands of experts, policymakers, industry leaders, students and entrepreneurs for five days of dynamic programming and collaboration.
Key thematic goals include:
Uniting diverse sectors and stakeholders from around the world
Creating meaningful networking opportunities across disciplines and regions
Showcasing innovation and emerging talent from the fast-evolving Asia-Pacific space ecosystem
Hosting a large-scale international exhibition highlighting advanced technologies and partnerships
Supporting the next generation of space professionals through dedicated engagement opportunities
Raising public awareness through a special Public Day focused on community outreach and education.
The IAC’s trademark blend of technical sessions, plenary discussions and the IAF Global Networking Forum (GNF) will again provide a platform for timely debate and knowledge exchange. More than 200 technical sessions will be presented, alongside ministerial and agency roundtables, and special events such as the IAF Interactive Presentations Award.
This year’s plenary sessions will address urgent and compelling topics ranging from circular economies in space and lunar exploration to Indigenous perspectives on sustainability and the future of human spaceflight. A recurring focus throughout the programme will be how regional initiatives can contribute to – and benefit from – a shared vision of sustainable space development.
Notably, several sessions will explore the unique contributions of First Nations knowledge to environmental stewardship and space sustainability. These themes echo a broader push toward inclusive, interdisciplinary approaches in global space governance and innovation.
As the countdown begins, anticipation is building not only in Australia but across the global space community. IAC 2025 promises to be a landmark event – one that reflects the urgency of climate action, the opportunities of global collaboration and the imagination required to design a sustainable spacefaring future.
More information, including the full programme and registration details, is available via the official event website: www.iac2025.org
