IAF INTERNATIONAL ASTRONAUTS CHAPTER

The 76th International Astronautical Congress (IAC 2025) in Sydney, Australia, will proudly feature the IAF International Astronauts Chapter, jointly organized and funded by the International Astronautical Federation (IAF) and the Australian Space Agency, an esteemed IAF Member since 2011 and Co-Host of IAC 2025.

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.

Do not miss the highlight of the Public Day:

The Astronauts Panel at the IAF Global Networking Forum
Date: Friday, 3 October
Time: 10:15 – 11:15
Venue: International Convention Centre Sydney (ICC Sydney), Level 2, Pyrmont Theatre

In this dynamic session, astronauts from around the world will share personal stories and will reflect on the importance of international collaboration, and the profound responsibility of exploration in advancing sustainability on Earth.

An autograph session will follow a rare chance to meet astronauts in person and celebrate the legacy of human spaceflight.

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

Shubhanshu SHUKLA

Astronaut

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, Acting Director, Advanced Programs Civil Space, Lockheed Martin Corporation

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