Sun, sand, and now space. There's a lot that Sydney has to offer to our world, but also to the rest of the universe. 

Next year, the global space industry will descend to the city to attend the 76th International Astronautical Congress (IAC) — the world's largest space event. 

This prestigious gathering is where the world's space community unites over the latest technological advancements, trends, academic research as well as opportunities to expand government and industry networks. 

Grazie to G'days

With the recent conclusion of the event's 75th edition in Milan, Italy, the countdown for IAC 2025 in Sydney has officially commenced. 

The event will be hosted by the Space Industry Association of Australia in partnership with the Australian Space Agency and the New South Wales Government. 

IAC 2025's theme is ‘Sustainable Space: Resilient Earth’ and it will be held from 29 September to 3 October with over 10,000 delegates from 120 nations expected. 

“I look forward to warmly welcoming our international space partners to Sydney. IAC 2025 is an opportunity to showcase Australia’s space ecosystem, as well as more deeply connect the global space community with the Indo-Pacific region. 

"Our region is filled with a dynamic mix of established and emerging space players, with much to offer the world. We also have other industries rich with transferable knowledge and innovative technologies that the space sector can draw from, as well as end users ready to benefit from space systems. 

"Strengthening these connections only serve to enhance our collective goal to improve life on Earth through space," said Enrico Palermo, Head of the Australian Space Agency.

People posing at an event
Mr Palermo at the Artemis Accords Principals’ meeting in Milan.
A group of people
The Australian Space Agency delegation in Milan. 

Australian space ecosystem in the spotlight

There were over a hundred Australian industry representatives along with government officials who put Australia's space ecosystem in the spotlight at last week's event in Italy. Here are some of the highlights:

  •  
 Mr Palermo was elected Vice President of the International Astronautical Federation (IAF), the space advocacy organisation that organises IAC. 

In Milan, the Head of the Agency also delivered remarks at key events such as the first ever IAF Space Leaders' Summit and the International Space Exploration Coordination Group 2024 roadmap launch as well as the Inter-Agency Space Debris Coordination Committee.
 
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 The Agency participated in a range of bilateral meetings with other space nations and agencies, including Canadian Space Agency, European Space Agency, NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory, Indian Space Research Organisation, the UK Space Agency, Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency and the German Aerospace Center (DLR).
 
  •  
 Australia and the US signed a Joint Statement of Intent for Cooperation on Space Situational Awareness.
 
  •  
 SmartSat CRC and Hellenic Space Centre signed a landmark Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) that will expand space ties between Australia and Greece. Particularly in areas related to microsatellites and earth observation. 
 
  •  
 Southern Launch and Varda Space Industries received a historic authorisation for a series of returns in regional South Australia. 

The return authorisation is the first granted by the Australian Government for a domestically returning spacecraft under the amended Space (Launches and Returns) Act 2018.

 

IAC Milan gallery

Click the below images to read their descriptions.

a group of people

A delegation from Australia at IAC 24 in Milan. 

People posing at an event

Mr. Palermo (right) with Dr Josef Aschbacher, Director General of the European Space Agency at IAC 24.

A group of people

Mr Palermo (right) along with officials from SmartSat CRC and Hellenic Space Centre at their MoU signing in Milan.

“The collaboration offers exciting new opportunities for our two nations to leverage the significant potential of space technologies to improve life here on Earth,” shares SmartSat CRC CEO, Professor Andy Koronios.

a group of people

A delegation within an Australian booth exhibition — "Under a Southern Sky" infinity room — in Milan. 

The room gave visitors an immersive experience of Australia's scenic landscapes and skies — giving them a taste of IAC 2025. 

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