76th International Astronautical Congress kicks off in Sydney, Australia

By Ozge Elif Kizil and Mucahithan Avcioglu

SYDNEY / ISTANBUL (AA) - The 76th International Astronautical Congress (IAC 2025), one of the world's largest space events, opened its doors on Monday in Sydney, Australia.

The congress, attended by thousands of space experts, scientists, industry representatives, and students from over 90 countries, is being held this year under the theme "Sustainable Space: Resilient Earth."

The congress will address the contributions of space technologies to humanity within the framework of sustainability and global cooperation, as well as issues such as space traffic, space debris, and the environmental impact of increased satellite launch activity.

The congress’ opening ceremony was held at the Sydney International Convention and Exhibition Center. Afterwards, the foyer, which featured booths from space and technology companies representing more than 90 countries, was opened.

The event, supported by Türkiye as a gold sponsor, was attended by Turkish Ambassador to Canberra Ufuk Gezer, Turkish Space Agency (TUA) head Yusuf Kirac, and Turkish astronauts Alper Gezeravci and Tuva Cihangir Atasever.

US Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy and Clay Mowry, head of the International Astronautical Federation (IAF), were also present at the event.

Turkish institutions and companies such as Aselsan, Turkish Aerospace Industries (TAI), Roketsan, TURKSAT, and TUBITAK were present at the congress’ Turkish pavilion.

Additionally, the Turkish Technology Team Foundation (T3 Foundation) is promoting to the world the work of young entrepreneurs and students through its projects.

Students and academics from Türkiye are also contributing scientifically to the congress by presenting in various technical sessions.

-Antalya set to host next year's astronautical congress

Gezer said their participation in the congress reflects Türkiye's significant progress in the space field in recent years.

“It is a great pride for us to witness the significant strides made by Turkish companies in satellite and rocket technologies here recently. Furthermore, other international participants also praise Türkiye's advancements in this field," he said.

Saying that the sunny Turkish resort city of Antalya is set to host the 77th astronautical congress next year, he added: “Our responsibility is to increase our companies' international contacts during this period and to promote the congress in the best possible way.”

On next year's congress, Kirac said: “Antalya is one of Türkiye's hubs of both civilization and history. I invite you all to attend.”

The current congress lasts through Friday.