Industry Day at the 75th International Astronautical Congress (IAC) in Milan lived up to its reputation as one of the most dynamic and impactful days of the week. This year’s Industry Day highlighted the growing synergy between government and industry, with an emphasis on amplifying the voice of the commercial space sector. With substantial investments pouring into space technologies, ensuring industry stakeholders have a platform to influence decision-making is more critical than ever.
Collaboration was the key theme throughout the day, reverberating in every session and echoed among the exhibitors. Space, more than ever, transcends borders and backgrounds. Regardless of nationality, profession, company size, gender, or age, the space community fosters inclusivity, with participants uniting under a common cause: the exploration and utilisation of space for the benefit of life on and beyond Earth.


A notable moment came with the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between SmartSat CRC of Australia and the Hellenic Space Centre, marking a commitment to joint research efforts, particularly in Earth Observation. The MoU will foster collaboration through the exchange of scientific knowledge and personnel, enhancing the ability of both nations to advance in space-related fields.

Cross-border cooperation was further highlighted by a visit from the Minister of Industry and Technology of Türkiye, Mehmet Fatih Kacır to the Australia stand, symbolising the growing relationship between the 2025 and 2026 IAC hosts. Both Australia and Türkiye share a vision for sustainable growth, leveraging their expanding space capabilities to drive regional development and innovation.


The Australia and IAC 2025 Sydney stand was a hive of activity, attracting notable visitors including H.E. Dr. Sultan Saif Al Neyadi, one of the UAE’s first two astronauts. Dr. Neyadi expressed his admiration for Australia and his eagerness to return for IAC 2025 in Sydney. He emphasised the importance of global cooperation to address the challenges of human space survival while inspiring future generations of space enthusiasts.
Beyond the exhibition hall, Australian representatives continued to make their presence felt. Enrico Palermo, Head of the Australian Space Agency and newly appointed Vice President of the International Astronautical Federation (IAF), participated in the IAF’s Global Leaders’ Summit, which was also attended by Jeremy Hallett, Executive Chairman of the Space Industry Association of Australia (SIAA). Team Australia also attended an event celebrating Slovakia’s five-year membership in the IAF, hosted by the Slovak Investment and Trade Development Agency (SARIO).

The morning session of the Global Networking Forum (GNF), titled “New Lunar Frontiers”, showcased the ways in which non-space industries are unlocking future markets. One standout project spearhead by Barbara Belvisi and Intersteller Lab, Mission Little Prince, aims to place a greenhouse on the Moon containing a blooming rose—an inspiring example of interdisciplinary collaboration between botanists, engineers, investors, and space agencies. The project is a true representation of how much we rely on experts outside of the space sector, and underscores the potential for space technologies to support life beyond Earth.
This aligns closely with IAC 2025 Sydney’s focus on engaging and elevating space-enabled industries such as emergency services, mining, agriculture, and smart cities. As Jay Kim of Boryung noted during the forum, “There is no non-space industry—Earth is part of space.” This sentiment calls for a shift in mindset and encourages us all to acknowledge the interconnectedness of space and terrestrial industries.
The overwhelming message from Industry Day is clear: space is not just an industry; it is a domain. And it belongs to everyone.