The International Astronautical Congress 2025

Main image credit: Hadean

The 76^th International Astronautical Congress (IAC 2025) — the most influential global gathering for the space community — will be held in Sydney, Australia, from 29 September to 3 October 2025. Organized 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.

Organized 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.

IAC 2025 has already surpassed expectations, with over 3,000 Early Bird registrations, setting a new record in the rich congress’s history. This milestone not only reflects the growing enthusiasm within the international space community but also underscores the strategic relevance of the Asia Pacific region in shaping the future of space.

The 76th edition will unfold under the theme “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 spectrum of critical topics such as sustainable space activities, space applications for climate resilience, disaster management, and the long-term viability of human presence beyond Earth.

Key thematic pillars 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; 
• Fostering public awareness of space and its societal impact through the dedicated Public Day. 

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 
  Monday, 29 September – 13:45 to 15:15 AEST – ICC Sydney Theatre 
  A unique opportunity to hear directly from global space agency leaders.
  
  
• The Power of First Nations' Knowledge in Space Sustainability 
  Monday, 29 September – 18:15 to 19:15 AEST – ICC Sydney Theatre 
  Exploring Indigenous wisdom as a lens for sustainable development and space stewardship.
  
  
• Circular Economy in Space 
  Tuesday, 30 September – 09:00 to 10:00 AEST – Pyrmont Theatre 
  How circular frameworks can unlock innovation and commercial value.
  
  
• Living on Another World: Humanity's Return to the Moon 
  Tuesday, 30 September – 13:45 to 14:45 AEST – Pyrmont Theatre 
  Exploring future lunar missions and what humanity must learn and build to sustain long-term life beyond Earth.
  
  

• Healing Earth, Envisioning Space: Indigenous Partnerships for a Resilient Future 
  Wednesday, 1 October – 09:00 to 10:00 AEST – Pyrmont Theatre 
  A discussion on how Indigenous knowledge partnerships can enrich space sustainability strategies and drive regional resilience. 

• Designing the Future of Human Spaceflight 
  Wednesday, 1 October – 13:45 to 14:45 AEST – Pyrmont Theatre 
  A forward-looking session focused on the design principles, technologies, and policies shaping the next phase of human space exploration.
  
  
• Space Sustainability: Regional Priorities, Global Responsibility 
  Thursday, 2 October – 09:00 to 10:00 AEST – Pyrmont Theatre 
  Discussing how regional priorities align with global responsibility in space sustainability, governance, and resource management. 

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. Stay tuned for these exciting highlights! 

A major highlight of IAC 2025 will be the presentation of the IAF World Space Awards — widely regarded as the “Oscar in Space” — during the Opening Ceremony on 29 September. 

• Individual Category: Jeff Bezos, founder of Blue Origin, will be honored 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 recognized 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. 

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, recognizing their unique role as ambassadors of space exploration and human achievement.

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 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 the Darling harbour.

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

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.