The NSW Government is calling on the state’s leading companies and research organisations to participate in the International Astronautical Congress (IAC) 2025, to be held in Sydney from 29 September to 3 October.
The congress is expected to attract up to 10,000 participants from over 80 countries, offering an unprecedented platform to showcase Australia’s space capabilities, with NSW at its forefront.
The event, organised by the Space Industry Association of Australia in partnership with the Australian Space Agency and the NSW Government, will bring together influential figures from academia, industry, and government.
This year’s program highlights significant global interest, with over 6,400 technical submissions received and 4,100 abstracts accepted from 95 countries.
Under the theme “Sustainable Space: Resilient Earth,” the congress will facilitate discussions on how space technologies are improving daily life, ranging from telecommunications to disaster response and climate monitoring.
The NSW Government is providing a dedicated exhibition space at the IAC 2025, supporting up to 40 local businesses and research organisations with direct access to key investors and industry leaders, including heads of major space agencies such as Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) and the European Space Agency (ESA).
NSW is home to several pioneering companies in the space sector. One example is the Waratah Seed satellite, backed by the NSW Government, which was launched last August.
Over 200 days in orbit, the satellite successfully tested technologies developed by nine NSW startups, including innovations in satellite repair robotics and next-generation solar cells.
This achievement has earned the Waratah Seed a Highlight Lecture at IAC 2025, bringing global attention to NSW’s space sector.
Rebecca McPhee, Deputy Secretary of Investment NSW, emphasised the importance of space technology in everyday life.
“Space is no longer a distant frontier – it is a rapidly growing industry that powers essential services like telecommunications, disaster response, and climate monitoring,” she said.
“With the IAC being held in Sydney for the first time, we have a unique opportunity to showcase the best of NSW innovation to the world. This event is expected to contribute $21 million to the local economy and open up new investment, trade, and export opportunities for our businesses.”
The IAC 2025 will also highlight the strength of Australia’s space ecosystem, especially the Indo-Pacific region.
Lisa Vitaris, Director of IAC 2025 Sydney at the Space Industry Association of Australia, noted the significance of the event being hosted in the Southern Hemisphere.
“This is an incredible opportunity to showcase not only our Australian space ecosystem but also our regional, Indo-Pacific space ecosystem to the global community,” Vitaris said.
“There is strong interest in partnering with our businesses and universities, and we are excited to facilitate these opportunities to accelerate the growth of Australia’s space industry.”
NSW businesses and research organisations interested in participating in the IAC 2025 can register through the Investment NSW website.
