South Australia will showcase its leading space capabilities to a global audience this week, with a strong contingent of local space companies and researchers set to represent the state at the 75th International Astronautical Congress (IAC) in Sydney.
The South Australian Space Industry Centre (SASIC) will be hosting more than 20 local space companies at IAC on the South Australia – the Space to Be stand, with a further six local organisations hosting a standalone presence.
This marks the largest South Australian contingent to ever attend the landmark space event, which is being held in Australia for the first time since it was hosted in Adelaide in 2017.
IAC 2025 Sydney provides a global platform to demonstrate the capabilities of South Australia’s full-service space ecosystem, which spans satellite and component manufacturing, launch services, mission control and ground station operations, data services and the Internet of Things.
South Australia is also the only destination in the world with a commercial spaceport supporting commercial returns to land, opening doors to international partnerships in the growing field of microgravity research.
Defence SA Chief Executive Matt Opie said IAC Sydney 2025 presents an unparalleled opportunity for South Australian companies and researchers to showcase their expertise on a global stage.
“SASIC is proud to be leading a powerful delegation of local space innovators that are not just participating in the space economy but helping to shape its future,” Mr Opie said.
“Space industry advancements have the potential to not only further deep-space exploration but deliver benefits to communities and industries here on Earth.
“The South Australia – the Space to Be presence will provide a platform for international engagement at IAC, helping industry to unlock new markets and attract investment.”
IAC Sydney, with its theme of ‘Sustainable Space: Resilient Earth’, is expected to attract approximately 7,000 delegates to the International Convention Centre in Darling Harbour.
Over five days, participants on the South Australia – the Space to Be stand are set to leverage business opportunities with delegates from 90 countries who will be focused on building industry connections while exploring the latest advancements in space technology.
In an impressive academic feat, more than 50 space research abstracts from exceptional South Australian-based academics, researchers, companies and organisations have been selected to appear as part of the IAC technical program.
IAC 2025 Sydney runs from 29 September to 3 October. Visitors can find South Australia – the Space to Be at Stand 353 in the Australia Zone at IAC Sydney 2025.
—
Photo: South Australian space industry showcased at SASIC’s South Australia – the Space to Be stand stand during IAC Sydney 2025.
