International Astronautical Congress 2025

Sydney is gearing up to host the 76th International Astronautical Congress (IAC), a space event, organised by the International Astronautical Federation (IAF). From 29 September to 3 October, the city will become a hub of science, culture, and imagination for IAC 2025 Space Week, culminating in IAC 2025 Space Day – Powered By LEGO Play.

Over five days, up to 10,000 astronauts, scientists, engineers and space leaders from 80+ countries will converge at the International Convention Centre (ICC) in Darling Harbour for the annual Congress. Running alongside the congress, the city-wide IAC 2025 Space Week will bring you as close to space as possible without leaving Earth. 

IAC 2025 Space Week is being spearheaded by the International Astronautical Federation, Space Industry Association of Australia (SIAA), Australian Space Agency and NSW Government. Delivered in partnership with the NSW Department of Education, Powerhouse Museum, One Giant Leap Australia Foundation, and the Sydney Science Fiction Film Festival, the program unites education, science, culture, and entertainment.

Across the week, the public can enjoy free events and immersive experiences, including:

• Astronaut encounters, including Australia’s own Katherine Bennell-Pegg

• A towering 10-metre inflatable astronaut in Martin Place

• Record your message for the cosmos and be part of a once-in-a-lifetime deep space broadcast at the Powerhouse Museum’s HUMANS Deep Space Message recording booths

• Live demonstrations from scientists, engineers, and innovators shaping the future of space exploration

• Meet-and-greets with science fiction authors and spacesuit designers

• Plus, precinct festivals, pop-up exhibitions and night-time activations throughout the city.

On Friday, 3 October, the spectacular, all-ages IAC 2025 Space Day – Powered By LEGO Play, perfectly timed during the NSW school holidays, promises free unforgettable experiences for curious minds of all ages, including:

• Astronaut encounters, signings and immersive exhibits

• Meet Roo-ver, the Aussie rover going to the Moon and operate mini rovers with the Australian Space Agency

• Send Your Face to the Moon, with a Sketch-Bot drawing your portrait to be included in the Roo-ver Mission

• Hands-on STEAM workshops that bring space science to life

• Mission patch competitions

• And a LEGO play area and build zone.

Australian astronaut Katherine Bennell-Pegg, from the Australian Space Agency, said she’s excited to share the week’s events with the public.

“I’m pumped to welcome my fellow astronauts from around the world to Sydney and to meet as many people as we can as part of IAC 2025 Space Week,” said Bennell-Pegg.

“Space is exciting, it’s awe-inspiring, it’s used by every single one of us every day, and it’s happening right here in Australia. IAC 2025 Space Week is a once-in-a-generation opportunity to show how space benefits life on Earth and to excite young Australians about a future in STEM.”

Cost: Free admission (Register Now)

In alignment with IAC 2025 Space Week, the Powerhouse Museum will join forces presenting its 2025 Sydney Science Festival through a week-long series of talks, workshops and activations across the city. The festival will conclude with a free, hands-on science day for all ages at Parramatta Square on Saturday 4 October, featuring meet-and-greets with scientists and astronauts, spacesuit mission patch making, a custom Fortnite lunar mission game and more.

“We are thrilled for Sydney Science Festival 2025 to be a part of International Astronautical Congress for IAC 2025 Space Week, marking its historic debut in Sydney. This landmark global event highlights our shared commitment to celebrating science, innovation and the visionary leaders shaping our future,” Powerhouse Museum Chief Executive, Lisa Havilah, said.