WA’s space sector has been given a front-row seat to one of the most talked-about events in the international aerospace calendar. Expressions of Interest are officially open for up to 20 Western Australian organisations to join the State Government’s delegation to the 2025 International Astronautical Congress (IAC), which will be hosted in Sydney this year. The event is seen as one of the key global gatherings in the space industry, attracting leaders, researchers, engineers, entrepreneurs and agencies from around the world. For Western Australia, it’s an open door to pitch its growing space capabilities to thousands of eyes, all focused on what’s next for the sky and beyond.
Set to run from 29 September to 3 October 2025, the IAC is organised by the International Astronautical Federation and promises to bring together around 10,000 delegates from up to 100 countries. For those who work in the sector—from data and analytics specialists to remote robotics, resource tracking or satellite communications—the congress is not just a talkfest. It’s where deals are sparked, joint missions are plotted, and reputations are either made or expanded. With the WA stand set to occupy a prominent position in the Australia Zone, there’s room for co-exhibitor pods and moveable ‘rovers’—which could be as literal as robotics or as creative as ideas on wheels.
The call-out comes from the Department of Jobs, Tourism, Science and Innovation, which is coordinating the WA presence at IAC 2025. The process is straightforward: interested parties submit their EOIs online before the 30 May deadline. Then comes the selection phase, with up to 20 successful applicants joining the WA delegation for the full conference period in Sydney.
For a sector that has long felt both the geographical isolation and potential of its terrain, this is a moment that may shift the narrative. Western Australia has been carving out a strong niche within the broader national space strategy, often leveraging its remoteness as an advantage rather than a setback. From its southern hemisphere positioning, ideal for satellite ground stations, to its quiet radio environment, there are technical reasons why global players continue to watch WA. But this opportunity isn’t just about being watched—it’s about standing up and speaking into the global space conversation.
Science and Innovation Minister Stephen Dawson, in announcing the EOI process, made clear that the congress offers an unmatched platform. “Attending the International Astronautical Congress as part of the WA Government’s delegation is a fantastic opportunity for our local space sector organisations to showcase their innovation and activities to the international space sector,” he said. His remarks underscored the idea that this isn’t a ceremonial inclusion. There’s substance in what WA firms can contribute, from data-driven agriculture and environmental monitoring to AI-enabled resource mapping and next-gen telecommunications.
The Minister also highlighted the benefits of this year’s event being held on home soil. With the congress in Sydney, it allows for a sharper focus on the work being done across Australia—particularly in states like WA that are not usually in the same limelight as their eastern counterparts. “IAC has been running for over 75 years and this year is being held in Sydney, allowing a large focus to be put on Australian innovation in space and the significant benefits space data, services and technology provides to our everyday lives,” Dawson added.
There’s also a longer-term ambition embedded in all this. WA has been actively growing its space sector as part of a broader science and innovation strategy. That includes everything from partnering with national agencies like the Australian Space Agency, to supporting STEM initiatives and nurturing local startups. Hosting facilities such as the Australian Remote Operations for Space and Earth (AROSE) consortium, and with links to academia and research hubs, the state has laid groundwork it now hopes will blossom on the international stage.
The potential ripple effect of international exposure shouldn’t be underestimated. While the focus may be on the 2025 event, this kind of presence could help spark partnerships that take years to build and last well beyond a single conference cycle. For smaller firms in particular, the chance to exhibit alongside global giants and network with decision-makers could represent a step change. And for investors or potential collaborators who attend IAC with an eye on emerging regions, WA’s stand might be the unexpected highlight.
The WA Government’s approach appears to be deliberately inclusive—by issuing an open EOI call, it’s giving space to players across the spectrum, whether they’re seasoned participants or new entrants with bold ideas. The exact criteria for selection haven’t been spelled out in detail, but based on previous delegation strategies, alignment with innovation, capability, and potential for export partnerships is likely to play a key role.
There’s also a promotional angle to the whole effort. With the state positioning itself as a player in the global tech and science ecosystem, having a polished presence at high-profile events like IAC is part branding, part business development. The phrase “WA delegation” may sound formal, but on the ground, it could translate to a highly visual, interactive zone that invites international guests to see what makes the west tick.
What that presence looks like will depend on who gets selected. Previous WA missions to global tech expos have included everything from augmented reality tools and drone tech to mining sector applications and climate science models. In the space sector, the diversity could be even wider—potentially including firms working on lunar construction prototypes, companies building low-earth orbit tracking systems, or startups analysing satellite data for agricultural planning.
All of this is part of a slow but steady positioning effort. As Minister Dawson put it, “Growing the local space sector will have enormous benefit for WA, leading to more innovations to improve environmental and community outcomes, and boost productivity.” The comment points to how space technologies are no longer seen as isolated scientific feats—they’re part of applied solutions that affect farming, logistics, emergency response and sustainability planning.
For WA firms sitting on the edge of entering international markets or those seeking validation from industry peers, the 2025 IAC could be a springboard. It’s a crowded global space economy, but one where regional voices still matter—especially when they bring ideas shaped by unique geographies and needs.
With EOIs now open and a clear deadline in place, the next few weeks could determine who represents the state on a world stage later this year. Whether it’s a small outfit with a clever sensor, a university lab pushing new boundaries, or a seasoned satellite operator with a niche angle, WA’s space ecosystem has a chance to be visible, audible and memorable at IAC 2025.
If WA plays its cards right, its stand in Sydney may not just be another booth in a large exhibition hall—it could be the one place people keep circling back to, asking, “What’s going on in the west?”
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🚀#WesternAustralia invites 20 local space sector orgs to join state delegation for Sydney's 2025 International Astronautical Congress (29 Sep-3 Oct). 🌍 Opportunity to showcase innovation & forge global partnerships. EOIs open till 30 May. #TheIndianSunhttps://t.co/LFD2B7aRc8
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