- NASA delegation, led by Sean Duffy, will join the International Astronautical Congress in Sydney from Sept. 28 to Oct. 3.
- Key topics include lunar and Martian exploration, space sustainability, and the Artemis Accords.
- NASA experts will speak at major sessions and host talks at the agency’s exhibit booth.
- The International Space Station’s 25th anniversary will be celebrated in a special panel.
NASA is heading to Sydney to take part in one of the biggest global gatherings for the space community. From September 28 to October 3, the agency will showcase its vision for human exploration, sustainability in space, and the next era of innovation at the International Astronautical Congress (IAC).
The congress, hosted this year by the Space Industry Association of Australia and organized by the International Astronautical Federation, will bring together leaders, scientists, and innovators from around the world.
Acting NASA Administrator Sean Duffy will lead the U.S. delegation, underscoring America’s role in building a global future in space.
With a packed agenda of panels, plenaries, and media briefings, NASA will spotlight its leadership in lunar and Martian exploration, its commitment to responsible practices under the Artemis Accords, and the importance of commercial space partnerships.
A Global Stage for Space Leadership
The International Astronautical Congress has long been a meeting point for nations and organizations to share knowledge, explore opportunities, and strengthen collaborations. This year, Sydney’s International Convention Centre will serve as the stage where NASA and its partners will present their latest achievements and upcoming missions.
Duffy will join global space leaders in a special plenary on Sunday, September 28 at 11:45 p.m. EDT (Monday, September 29 at 1:45 p.m. AEST). The session, “One-to-One with Global Space Leaders,” will set the tone for the congress, bringing forward big ideas about how humanity will live and thrive beyond Earth.
Exploring the Moon Together
On Monday, September 29, the congress will turn its attention to how international partners are preparing to return to the Moon. At 11:45 p.m. EDT (Tuesday, September 30 at 1:45 p.m. AEST), Nujoud Merancy, deputy associate administrator of NASA’s Strategy and Architecture Office, will join the plenary session titled “Learning to Live on Another World.” The conversation will focus on what it takes to build sustainable life-support systems on the lunar surface and how the lessons learned will help pave the way to Mars.
That same day, NASA leaders will also discuss innovation in communications and navigation in a session called “From Low Earth Orbit to Lunar: Delivering Sustainable Innovation in Space.” Kevin Coggins, deputy associate administrator for NASA’s Space Communications and Navigation Program, will highlight the future of space networks that connect astronauts and spacecraft across vast distances.
In another important discussion, Karen St. Germain, director of NASA’s Earth Science Division, will join the “Early Warnings for All – From Satellites to Action” session. She will speak about how satellite technology is being used to provide early disaster warnings, making communities more resilient here on Earth.
Responsible and Transparent Exploration
As humans set their sights on the Moon and Mars, rules and responsibilities matter. On Tuesday, September 30 at 1 a.m. EDT (3 p.m. AEST), Casey Swails, NASA’s deputy associate administrator, will participate in a session called “The Artemis Accords: Safe, Sustainable, and Transparent Space Exploration.” This discussion will highlight the growing list of nations that have signed on to these principles, which are designed to ensure safe and cooperative exploration of space.
Later in the week, sustainability takes center stage again. On Wednesday, October 1 at 7 p.m. EDT (Thursday, October 2 at 9 a.m. AEST), NASA astronaut Alvin Drew will speak in the plenary “Space Sustainability: Regional Priorities, Global Responsibility.” His work focuses on keeping space safe and usable for generations to come, particularly as orbital traffic increases.
Marking 25 Years of the International Space Station
Few symbols of international cooperation are as visible as the International Space Station. On Thursday, October 2 at 9:35 p.m. EDT (Friday, October 3 at 11:35 a.m. AEST), Robyn Gatens, director of the International Space Station, will join a session marking 25 years of the orbiting laboratory.
The panel, titled “25 Years of the International Space Station: Yesterday – Today – Tomorrow,” will reflect on the lessons learned and how they will guide commercial spaceflight and future missions to the Moon and Mars.
Engaging with the Public and Media
The congress is not only about technical discussions. NASA will also host a public exhibit at booth number 132 in hall one of the convention centre. Visitors will see displays of NASA’s cutting-edge science and technology missions and hear directly from subject matter experts through talks scheduled throughout the week.
For the media, there are special opportunities as well. On Monday, September 29 at 3:15 a.m. EDT (5:15 p.m. AEST), Duffy will join Enrico Palermo, head of the Australian Space Agency, and Ahmad Belhoul Al Falasi, UAE Minister of Sports and Chairman of the UAE Space Agency, for a media briefing on the Artemis Accords. Journalists can apply for access through the IAC registration process.
NASA’s Vision: From Earth to Mars
At the heart of NASA’s participation is a clear message. The United States is committed to leading space exploration in partnership with the world. From the lunar missions of Artemis to the long-term ambition of sending humans to Mars, the agency is laying the foundation for humanity’s future beyond Earth.
The International Astronautical Congress is more than a conference. It is a showcase of how collaboration, innovation, and responsibility can shape the next frontier of exploration. For NASA, this week in Sydney is an opportunity to share its story and invite the world to be part of the journey.
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