Australia's biggest space celebration is ready for lift off.
As Sydney gears up to host the 76th International Astronautical Congress (IAC), a suite of space-themed experiences will take over the city.
IAC 2025, the world's most prominent space event, will be held from 29 September to 3 October with thousands of delegates, scientists, and astronauts expected from over 80 countries.
During this period, Sydney will also become a hub of science, culture, and imagination for the public. Running alongside the prestigious event, a city-wide IAC 2025 Space Week will be held, where the public can participate in a range of immersive free events.
The week-long activities are being spearheaded by the Space Industry Association of Australia, Australian Space Agency and New South Wales Government with support from the International Astronautical Federation.
IAC 2025 Space Week will unite education, science, culture and entertainment. It will be delivered in partnership with the NSW Department of Education, Powerhouse Museum, One Giant Leap Australia Foundation, and the Sydney Science Fiction Film Festival.
Across IAC 2025 Space Week, the public can enjoy free events and immersive experiences, including:
- Astronaut encounters, including with Australia’s own Katherine Bennell-Pegg.
- A towering 10-metre inflatable astronaut in Martin Place.
- Recording 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.
Celebrate Space Day at IAC 2025
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.
Make space for space
“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.
“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."
~ Australian astronaut Katherine Bennell-Pegg
Don't miss out
On Friday 3 October, space will be closer than you think.
More opportunities for space enthusiasts
In alignment with IAC 2025 Space Week, the Powerhouse Museum will join forces presenting its latest 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.
IAC 2025: Frequently Asked Questions
Know everything about the world's premier space event that Sydney will be hosting this year.