Media Release
SYDNEY SCIENCE FESTIVAL LAUNCHES WITH IAC 2025 SPACE WEEK
Powerhouse has today announced a special edition of Sydney Science Festival 2025, in a landmark partnership with the NSW Government, Investment NSW, the Australian Space Agency, Space Industry Association of Australia and the International Astronautical Federation, as part of the 76th International Astronautical Congress for IAC 2025 Space Week.
Held in Sydney for the first time, IAC 2025 Space Week will bring together the world’s leading scientists, astronauts, engineers, creatives and space agencies. This renowned international space congress will attract up to 10,000 attendees from more than 80 countries, celebrating cutting-edge science, culture and innovation.
Presented by Powerhouse, Sydney Science Festival will run from 27 September - 4 October 2025 and invites festivalgoers to explore the future of space and science through a public program of talks, workshops and interactive experiences across the city including the International Convention Centre (ICC) Sydney, the Seymour Centre, Parramatta and the University of Technology Sydney.
A major highlight of the festival is HUMANS, a global project developed by MIT researchers, led by Dr Maya Nasr. Inspired by NASA’s Golden Record — the time capsule launched aboard Voyager 1 in 1977 in a bid to communicate information about Earth to extraterrestrial life — today, HUMANS invites the public to record a personal message for deep space. Thousands of personal messages for the cosmos will be collected and transmitted into deep space in 2027, offering a powerful snapshot of contemporary humanity. Audiences will be invited to share their message at recording booths at the ICC Sydney from Friday, 3 October and in Parramatta Square on Saturday 4 October. Online recordings will also be open for people around the world to submit their voice messages from the start of Sydney Science Festival, 27 September 2025.
Other festival highlights include:
- An exclusive astronaut forum with speakers who have flown missions for NASA, the European Space Agency, AXIOM, SpaceX and the Australian Space Agency
- A panel on lunar architecture, ethics and humanity’s future on the Moon with space experts from the United Nations and MIT
- A special appearance by Katherine Bennell-Pegg, the first astronaut qualified under the Australian flag, alongside global space leaders who will discuss the new space age
The festival will culminate in a free, hands-on science day for all ages at Parramatta on 4 October, featuring:
- Meet-and-greets with scientists and astronauts
- Space talks unpacking space food and commercial spaceflight
- Spacesuit mission patch-making
- A custom Fortnite lunar mission game developed by ESA, Epic Games and Hassell
- The premiere of the sci-fi fantasy trilogy Tales of Khayaal
Sydney Science Festival 2025 is proudly supported by the NSW Government, affirming its commitment to connecting communities with science and innovation across Australia and internationally. Festival Partner City of Parramatta and Foundational University Partners Western Sydney University and the University of Technology Sydney, contribute significantly to the delivery of this landmark program.
NSW Minister for the Arts John Graham said, ‘Powerhouse is once again at the forefront of cultural leadership in this state — presenting a bold and ambitious festival that connects the people of NSW to the global space stage. As the world turns its eyes to Sydney for the 76th International Astronautical Congress, this public program invites everyone especially young people to be inspired by science, space and the future of innovation.’
HUMANS Project Lead and Co-Founder Dr Maya Nasr said, ‘We are thrilled to bring the HUMANS project to Sydney in collaboration with Powerhouse — an institution that deeply understands how science and culture shape global conversations. HUMANS is about crafting a collective message from Earth — one that brings together both human experience and scientific knowledge. With the support of Sydney Science Festival we’re launching a global call for voices to contribute to a new message for deep space – one that reflects not just who we are but who we aspire to be.’
IAC 2025 Director Lisa Vitaris said, ‘We’re thrilled to be teaming up with Powerhouse to connect Sydney Science Festival and the global space community as they converge on our shores for IAC 2025. Combining IAC 2025 Space Week and Sydney Science Festival 2025 is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to show how space benefits life on Earth and to excite young Australians about a future in STEM, at an unprecedented scale.’
City of Parramatta Lord Mayor Cr Martin Zaiter said, 'We’re proud to work with Powerhouse Parramatta for the third year running to celebrate Sydney Science Festival. This event encourages the next generation of scientists and gives them a chance to learn something new in Western Sydney.’
Powerhouse Chief Executive Lisa Havilah said, ‘Through extraordinary partnerships with global space agencies, the IAC as well as ASA, researchers and visionaries, Powerhouse is proud to present a festival that not only informs but also empowers. We are especially honoured to bring the HUMANS project to Sydney, a program that invites every person in NSW to participate in the future of space – not just as spectators but as contributors.’
Full program details and event registration available at http://bit.ly/45DM86C
PROGRAM INFORMATION
Space Now
Space Now brings together leaders at the forefront of space exploration to discuss the new space age and its contribution to life on Earth. Discover the latest advancements in space missions and what is at stake for the future of humanity.
Saturday, 27 September 2025
4pm-5.30pm, UTS Great Hall
$10, Registration
Astronaut Forum
Join the Australian Space Agency’s Katherine Bennell-Pegg, the first person qualified as an astronaut under the Australian flag, as she hosts a conversation with astronauts who’ve flown on missions with NASA, the European Space Agency, AXIOM, Space X and more.
Thursday, 2 October 2025
6pm-7.30pm, Seymour Centre
$10, Registration
HUMANS Deep Space Message
In 1977, the Voyager 1 spacecraft took the first Golden Record into deep space as a time capsule to communicate information about Earth and its inhabitants to extraterrestrial life. To mark its 50th Anniversary, the HUMANS project is creating a new message for the cosmos. Join us to record your message that will be included in a deep-space broadcast on 5 September 2027.
Friday, 3 October 2025
9am-5pm IAC 2025 Space Day, ICC Sydney
Saturday 4 October
10am-3pm, Parramatta Town Hall
FREE, Walk-in
Moon Futures
Moon Futures brings together space leaders, designers, astrophysicists and lawyers to talk about humanity’s future on the Moon.
Friday, 3 October 2025
12pm-1.30pm, IAC Space Day, ICC Sydney
FREE, Walk-in
Parramatta Day
A full day of hands-on science for all ages. Presented by Powerhouse and City of Parramatta.
Saturday, 4 October 2025
10am-3pm, Parramatta Square
FREE, Registration and walk-in
Media Contacts
About Powerhouse
Powerhouse sits at the intersection of arts, design, science and technology and plays a critical role in engaging communities with contemporary ideas and issues. We are undertaking a landmark $1.2 billion infrastructure renewal program, spearheaded by the creation of the new museum, Powerhouse Parramatta; expanded research and public facilities at Powerhouse Castle Hill; the renewal of the iconic Powerhouse Ultimo; and the ongoing operation of Sydney Observatory. The museum is custodian to over half a million objects of national and international significance and is considered one of the finest and most diverse collections in Australia. We are also undertaking an expansive digitisation project that will provide new levels of access to the Powerhouse Collection.