Sydney Welcomes Space Week & 76th International Astronautical Congress

This week, Sydney will host the 76th International Astronautical Congress (IAC 2025), with more than 8,000 astronauts, scientists, engineers, and space leaders converging on the city tomorrow for the world premier space event.

Hosted by the Space Industry of Australia and co-hosted by the NSW Government and Australian Space Agency, the event is themed “Sustainable Space: Resilient Earth” and is making its debut in Australia.

Amongst the congress, Sydney will host ‘space week’, where immersive experiences that combine science and art transform our understanding of the world around us. With participation from The Powerhouse Museum and  LEGO® Play and the NSW Department of Education, the congress will invite Sydney goers to experience a once in a lifetime opportunity.

The event will turn some of Sydney’s most iconic places into a space experience, where inflatable astronauts will land in Martin Place, and Chippendale transforming with support from the Office of the 24-Hour Economy Commissioner’s Uptown District Acceleration Program.

Neon marketplace will aid local businesses to turn into vibrant going out hubs, whilst encouraging science and space goers to experience the one in a lifetime opportunities during Sydney’s expedition.

Making space a fun experience

Included in Space Week are events from The Powerhouse Museum, which will deliver a presentation of a global project ‘HUMANS’, that allows guests to record personal messages for broadcast to deep space in 2027. 

Other events include  ’Space Day – Powered by LEGO® Play’ on October 3rd, where the ICC Sydney provides a hands-on experience for visitors to step into the shoes of innovators and explorers. 

Minister for Industry and Trade and Minister for Innovation, Science, and Technology Anoulack Chanthivong said, “The 76th International Astronautical Congress will bring together the best and brightest minds in the global space industry, and we can’t wait to showcase the thriving advanced manufacturing and technology ecosystem that we have right here in Sydney.”

“The IAC and Space Week will be big events for Sydney, and an exciting chance to inspire young people in NSW.”

The NSW Department of Education will debut their Young Space Explores Program, where young people are able to experience hands-on STEM learning that focuses on their emerging role within our world.

With robotic showcases, workshops, astronaut meet and greets, and virtual reality experiences, the program will run on Level 3 of the ICC Sydney during the October school holidays.

Australian Space Agency Astronaut Katherine Bennell-Pegg said, “A love of space often sets young people on a path to a career as an engineer or scientist. Imagine how many future engineers and scientists may say in 20 or 30 years how IAC 2025 Space Week launched their STEM journey.”

NSW continues to showcase their space industry

IAC 2025 will display the NSW space industry alongside the public celebrations of Space Week. Displaying the nation’s development of satellites that have competed and won in international mission competitions.

The display of these developments show the initiatives of NSW innovations, where we can be competitive in complex products globally. Creating opportunities which expand upon our achievements in securing contracts in global markets and pioneering technologies that are reshaping industries such as agriculture and communications.

Director of IAC 2025 Sydney at the Space Industry Association of Australia Lisa Vitaris said, “IAC 2025 Space Week will ignite curiosity and passion for space in our community, fostering the next generation of engineers, scientists, and innovators.”

“The event shines a spotlight on our growing Australian space industry, showcasing how space is critical for our everyday lives and how space can drive improved economic productivity.”

More information regarding Space Week and the additional events can be found here.