As InDaily revealed two weeks ago, Musk told a conference in Washington DC that he had “updated his long-term plan for colonizing Mars to make it more economically feasible” and promised to share his evolving ideas at “a September conference in Australia”.

Today, IAC organisers have confirmed that Musk – the boss of Tesla and Space X – will speak to delegates on the final afternoon of the congress on September 29.

Brett Biddington, the CEO of the congress, told The Lead website that Musk would speak for an hour, including a Q&A session and that the talk would be live-streamed on social media.

Biddington said Musk’s decision to update the global space community about his plans to colonise Mars will be welcomed by delegates to IAC 2017.

“Younger people especially are inspired by Musk’s innovation and entrepreneurship and the opportunity to hear of his plans first hand is a rare privilege,” Biddington said.

Although the final day of the congress is open to the public, only registered delegates will be able to attend Musk’s talk in person.

The 68^th International Astronautical Congress will be held at the Adelaide Convention Centre in South Australia from September 25-29 and is set to attract around 3500 international and local delegates, including the world’s leading space agencies.

The State Government is keen to build the space industry, and has been pushing for the establishment of a national space agency with an industry hub based in South Australia.

Musk made a surprise visit to Adelaide earlier this month for the State Government’s announcement that his company Tesla had won the right to build the world’s biggest battery facility, to be connected to French company Neoen’s Hornsdale Wind Farm in the state’s Mid North.