IAC 2025 Sydney was the first time the National Space Qualification Network (NSQN) came together to form a standalone booth at an international event.  The main aim of the booth was to highlight their collective space testing capabilities and engage with the international community.  How did it go, you may ask?  Well, best to hear from those that ran the stand and spent a week talking space testing and future possibilities to get the full impact of how successful it was.

Stefania Peracchi (ANSTO irradiation team lead). “It was a fantastic opportunity to showcase the strength of the network. The presence and engagement of all nodes on the exhibition floor was a testament to the network’s commitment to advancing sovereign space qualification capabilities. The high level of engagement and interest confirms the unique value NSQN brings to the Australian and global space ecosystem.”

For ANU Institute for Space | InSpace’s Anupam Kumar Pilli (Strategic Project Manager) “The conversations with domestic and international partners, industry leaders, and research organisations reinforced NSQN’s role as a national enabler, connecting facilities, expertise, and innovation across Australia to accelerate space-ready technology development. As we look to the future, NSQN stands poised to shape the next chapter of Australia’s space sector by fostering stronger industry-research partnerships, attracting global collaborations, and ensuring that our regional infrastructure continues to play a central role in supporting sovereign capability and competitiveness in the emerging global space economy."

Dr Sandra Elizabeth Saji Saji – Heavy Ion Accelerators, Research and Industry Engagement Officer, echoed the positivity, "It was great to meet space companies from around the world and attend so many informative talks-especially the session on radiation effects. I really enjoyed sharing information about our world-class facilities, and it was exciting to see global interest. Initiatives like NSQN have real potential to shape the future of space qualification and strengthen international collaboration."

As did Misty Lakelin, Technical Assistant at Heavy Ion Accelerators, 
'It was a highly productive week for the HIA team. We forged many new connections with local and international attendees, drawing potential users for HIA space irradiation capabilities and for NSQN at large. It was also an opportunity to meet new and old colleagues within NSQN and strengthen the network's inter-node community."

A massive thanks also needs to go to Alina Bryleva who coordinated the booth concept, design and logistics along with Stefania Peracchi and Krysia D.

Thanks to our nodes ANSTO, ANU Institute for Space | InSpace Heavy Ion Accelerators, Saber Astronautics, Eduardo Trifoni, University of Wollongong, Nova Systems Australia and New Zealand, Steritech Australia