BREAKING: Science and Innovation Minister Stephen Dawson has just embarked on a pivotal mission, leading a delegation of top space experts from Western Australia to the International Astronautical Congress (IAC) 2025 in Sydney. This high-profile event, taking place from October 1 to 5, is expected to draw around 10,000 attendees from over 100 countries, marking a significant opportunity for WA’s burgeoning space sector.
The WA delegation, consisting of 16 organizations including universities and businesses specializing in engineering, robotics, and geospatial mapping, aims to forge new relationships and exchange vital knowledge. With the theme “Sustainable Space: Resilient Earth,” this year’s congress will spotlight the crucial intersection of space innovation and sustainability.
Minister Dawson, who jetted off on Saturday, September 30, 2023, emphasized the importance of showcasing WA’s capabilities. “WA is bringing a large delegation across the country to IAC 2025 and putting on display exactly what our continually growing space sector has to offer the world,” he stated.
The event features an Australia zone where WA will have its own stall, displaying a comprehensive map of the State’s space infrastructure alongside stunning imagery of WA’s night skies. This visibility is critical as the government seeks to position WA as a leader in the global space industry.
Since 2018, approximately $1 billion has been invested in WA’s space sector. The State Government is striving to enhance this sector’s capacity, which currently encompasses around 130 businesses. Prior to the upcoming elections, the government pledged $2 million for a business case study aimed at developing a rocket launch pad in WA, a commitment that was detailed in the June budget.
The stakes are high as WA continues to diversify its economy through innovation in space technology. The IAC 2025 not only provides an avenue for WA’s representatives to meet face-to-face with global leaders but also serves as a platform to promote the immense potential of the local space industry.
With the clock ticking, the WA delegation’s participation in the IAC 2025 is a critical step forward, and the outcomes of this international gathering could redefine the future of space exploration in the region. As developments unfold, all eyes will be on the relationships formed and the knowledge exchanged at this landmark event.
Stay tuned for more updates as the congress progresses!
