IAC 2025 Theme

‘Sustainable Space : Resilient Earth’, the guiding theme of IAC 2025 Sydney, explores the essential connection between space innovation and sustainability, focusing on three central areas: space-based applications for Earth; sustainable space activities; and sustaining life beyond Earth.

As we progress with advancements in space technology and research, ‘Sustainable Space : Resilient Earth’ highlights the need for responsible, equitable, and forward-thinking approaches that will preserve space for future explorers whilst also ensuring that the benefits of space exploration filter to all of humanity.

Space technology has become an indispensable tool for addressing urgent global challenges on Earth. From monitoring the environment and managing resources to providing critical data for disaster resiliency, space-based applications are essential for ensuring a resilient Earth for future generations.

Sustainability in space goes beyond managing space debris or coordinating space traffic. It also involves considering the broader environmental impacts of space launches and satellite reentries, with Australia positioned to support launch and returns activities with international partners across a range of sites. Moreover, the rapid increase in launches presents new challenges for ensuring the long-term stability and safety of space activities. It is important to ensure that space remains accessible, sustainable, and stable. Equitable management of space resources, along with careful coordination of space traffic and sharing of space situational awareness data, will be key to sustaining space for current and future generations.

Space exploration beyond Earth is no longer a distant ideal; it is becoming an imminent reality. As such, we must consider the environmental and cultural impacts of our activities. Sustainability off Earth will require innovative solutions to create self-sufficient habitats to sustain life and ensure that human activities beyond Earth are carried out in a sustainable manner with all nations committed to a rules-based order.

In alignment with its commitment to space sustainability, Australia as a founding member of the United Nations Committee on the Peaceful Uses of Outer Space (UN COPUOS) is closely involved in the development and implementation of international norms for safe, stable, and sustainable space activities. Australia’s IAC 2025 provides a platform to promote global cooperation and responsibility in shaping the future of space exploration. IAC 2025 in Sydney will showcase Australia’s innovations in space and reinforce the importance of collaboration across the Indo-Pacific region to ensure a sustainable and resilient future for Earth and beyond.