The Powerhouse has unveiled an extraordinary edition of the Sydney Science Festival 2025, marking a historic collaboration with the NSW Government, Investment NSW, the Australian Space Agency, the Space Industry Association of Australia, and the International Astronautical Federation.
This special event will coincide with the 76th International Astronautical Congress (IAC) for IAC 2025 Space Week, a global celebration of space exploration and innovation.
For the first time, Sydney will host IAC 2025 Space Week, drawing the world’s top scientists, astronauts, engineers, creatives, and space agencies. This prestigious congress is expected to welcome up to 10,000 attendees from over 80 countries, showcasing cutting-edge advancements in science, culture, and technology.
Running from 27 September to 4 October 2025, the Sydney Science Festival invites the public to explore the future of space and science through an exciting program of talks, workshops, and interactive experiences. Events will take place across the city, including at the International Convention Centre (ICC) Sydney, the Seymour Centre, Parramatta, and the University of Technology Sydney.
Festival Highlights
One of the standout features of the festival is HUMANS, a global project led by MIT researcher Dr. Maya Nasr. Inspired by NASA’s Golden Record, this initiative invites people to record personal messages for deep space. These messages will be transmitted into the cosmos in 2027, offering a unique snapshot of humanity. Recording booths will be available at ICC Sydney on 3 October and Parramatta Square on 4 October, with online submissions opening on 27 September.
Other key events include:
- Astronaut Forum: Hear from astronauts who have flown missions for NASA, the European Space Agency, AXIOM, SpaceX, and the Australian Space Agency.
- Lunar Panel: Experts from the United Nations and MIT will discuss lunar architecture, ethics, and humanity’s future on the Moon.
- Special Appearance by Katherine Bennell-Pegg: Australia’s first astronaut qualified under the Australian flag will join global space leaders to discuss the new space age.
The festival will conclude with a free, hands-on science day in Parramatta on 4 October, featuring:
- Meet-and-greets with astronauts and scientists
- Talks on space food and commercial spaceflight
- Spacesuit mission patch-making
- A custom Fortnite lunar mission game developed by ESA, Epic Games, and Hassell
- The premiere of the sci-fi fantasy trilogy Tales of Khayaal
A Celebration of Science and Innovation
Sydney Science Festival 2025 is proudly supported by the NSW Government, reaffirming its dedication to fostering science and innovation. Key partners, including the City of Parramatta, Western Sydney University, and the University of Technology Sydney, play a vital role in delivering this landmark event.
Prepare to be inspired as Sydney becomes the epicenter of space exploration and scientific discovery during this unmissable week!
Full program details and event registration available at the website
Image: Expedition 50 Soyuz MS-02 Landing. Photo: NASA/Bill Ingalls