IAF INTERNATIONAL ASTRONAUTS CHAPTER
The 76th International Astronautical Congress (IAC 2025) in Sydney, Australia, will proudly feature the IAF International Astronauts Chapter, jointly organized by the International Astronautical Federation (IAF) and the Australian Space Agency, an esteemed IAF Member since 2011 and Co-Host of IAC 2025; and proudly funded by the IAF and the IAC 2025 Local Organising Committee (the Space Industry Association of Australia (SIAA), the NSW Government, and the Australian Space Agency).
This unique programme offers an exceptional opportunity for to bring space heroes face-to-face with the public, offering firsthand insights as they share their experiences, expertise, and passion for space exploration.
Featuring astronauts from both government and the private sector, the IAF Chapter brings space closer to people and creates a vibrant platform for dialogue, knowledge sharing, education, and inspiration for future generations.
Through engaging panels and special outreach initiatives, the IAF Chapter bridges the gap between astronauts and aspiring space explorers – igniting curiosity and encouraging the next generation to join the journey.
Step into the World of Space Exploration: Meet the International Astronauts at IAC 2025:
Katherine BENNELL-PEGG
Group Captain in the Royal Australian Air Force (Reserve), Astronaut, Australian Space Agency
Australia
Eric PHILIPS
Astronaut
Australia
Julie PAYETTE
Astronaut, President, Association of Space Explorers
Canada
Tibor KAPU
Astronaut, Hungarian to Orbit Program (HUNOR)
Hungary
Gyula CSERÉNYI
Astronaut, Hungarian to Orbit Program (HUNOR)
Hungary
Shubhanshu SHUKLA
Astronaut
India
Prasanth Balakrishnan NAIR
Indian Astronaut Group Captain, Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO)
India
Soichi NOGUCHI
Astronaut, Executive Fellow, World Economic Forum (WEF)
Japan
Koichi WAKATA
Astronaut and Chief Technology Officer, Asia-Pacific, Axiom Space, LLC
Japan
Soyeon YI
Astronaut
Republic of Korea
Alper GEZERAVCI
First Turkish Astronaut, Turkish Space Agency Board Member, Turkish Space Command Coordination & Execution Director F-16 & KC-135R Pilot, Turkish Space Agency (TUA)
Türkiye
Tuva CIHANGIR ATASEVER
Astronaut, Turkish Space Agency (TUA)
Türkiye
Hazzaa ALMANSOORI
Astronaut, Mohammed Bin Rashid Space Centre (MBRSC)
United Arab Emirates
Nora ALMATROOSHI
Astronaut, Mohammed Bin Rashid Space Centre (MBRSC)
United Arab Emirates
Tony ANTONELLI
Astronaut (retired), National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA)
United States
Michael LOPEZ-ALEGRIA
Chief of the Astronaut Office and Ax-1 Mission Commander, Axiom Space, LLC
United States
Sirisha BANDLA
Astronaut, Spaceflight: UNITY 22
United States
