Giant Inflatable Astronaut Replica for the International Astronautical Congress

Background

The Australian Space Agency is the national organisation for civil space activities. The agency hosted the International Astronautical Congress (IAC) in Sydney. The iconic global event brings together space professionals, industry leaders, and enthusiasts.

The agency required a powerful visual anchor to promote the congress and engage the public. They needed a landmark feature that would generate excitement and draw attention to the event’s location in Sydney’s CBD.

The Australian Space Agency contacted Giant Inflatables to design and fabricate a custom 10-metre inflatable astronaut replica. The large-scale structure would serve as an unmissable photo opportunity, increasing social media visibility for the event. The goal was to create an impressive and safe public display, and the inflatable astronaut replica was the ideal solution to meet their promotional objectives.

Design and Fabrication

The design process focused on realism. The Giant Inflatables team created a detailed 3D model of a spacesuit. Specific features included hoses, pockets, a backpack, and other auxiliary functions. The final design produced a visually accurate inflatable astronaut replica.
A custom-printed badge featuring the IAC logo and event location was expertly affixed to the thigh. The silver material chosen for the inflatable provided a reflective, futuristic look that matched the space theme perfectly.

A lightweight yet durable reflective cloth material was used for the main body. This fabric is UV-resistant and weather-tolerant. The choice of material for the inflatable astronaut replica was critical for both appearance and longevity. The fabrication process translated the 3D design into physical panels, which were then stitched together to form a complete structure. For installation, the structure featured multiple stainless steel tie points. High-tensile, dual-core braided ropes secured the inflatable astronaut replica to 3900KG of weights. This robust anchoring system gave the inflatable astronaut replica a wind rating of 45 km/h, ensuring safety in an open urban environment.

Result

The 10-metre inflatable astronaut replica was a major success and became an iconic symbol for the International Astronautical Congress. It drew large crowds, generated extensive media coverage, and amplified the event’s visibility across social media platforms, meeting all of the client’s promotional objectives.