Airbus discusses cooperation with Türkiye on space and lunar research

Airbus Defence and Space is discussing cooperation options with TÜBİTAK, particularly in space and lunar research, ahead of the 77th International Astronautical Congress, which will be held in Antalya from October 5 to 9.

Airbus Defence and Space is exploring cooperation options with the Scientific and Technological Research Council of Türkiye (TÜBİTAK) in various fields, particularly space and lunar research. Carlo Mirra, sales director in the company’s corporate growth and business development unit, announced that the discussions are ongoing.

Mirra said the 77th International Astronautical Congress, to be held at the NEST Congress Center in Antalya from October 5 to 9, would bring together experts from the space sector. In addition to scientific and technical discussions, Türkiye’s historical, cultural and natural riches will be introduced to participants at the event.

The congress will be organized under the coordination of Türkiye’s Ministry of Industry and Technology, with the support of the Türkiye Space Agency and SAHA Istanbul. The event will address various topics in the space sector, from green propulsion systems to small satellite architectures.

Antalya expected to host 10,000 delegates

Mirra said approximately 10,000 delegates were expected to be hosted in Antalya, adding that organizations in Türkiye had submitted more than 1,800 paper abstracts to the organizing committee to present their work to international participants.

Mirra said the congress would give Turkish companies and startups an opportunity to meet international prime contractors and investors on the same platform. He added that these contacts could support the sharing of expertise, the introduction of new solutions and the conclusion of commercial agreements.

Mirra noted that Airbus had been operating in Türkiye for many years and that the company was closely monitoring the growth of the country’s industrial capacity in the space sector. He said Türkiye’s announcement of its National Space Program, along with its space plan, astronaut flight and goal of independent access to space, represented important signs supporting the development of the national industry.

Lunar research among areas of cooperation

The Airbus executive said the discussions with TÜBİTAK covered human spaceflight and satellite communications, as well as space and, in particular, lunar research. He said Airbus’ experience gained through the Türksat program had contributed to the development of industrial capabilities in Türkiye, adding that the company wanted to maintain and, where possible, expand these ties.

Mirra said cooperation could be pursued not only through industrial partnerships but also within the framework of intergovernmental partnerships. He said Airbus would closely monitor any agreement Türkiye might conclude with the European Commission, the European Space Agency or one of Airbus’ founding countries: France, Germany, Spain and the United Kingdom.

Türkiye’s human resources highlighted

Emphasizing the importance of leadership in space diplomacy, Mirra said hosting the International Astronautical Congress sent a strong message about Türkiye’s determination and reliability on the global stage. He added that the congress could support international cooperation, sustainability and security in space.

Mirra said data indicated that Türkiye had a population of 85 million and an average age of 33, noting that this provided an important human-resource base for training space engineers and scientists over the next 10 years. He said Türkiye had strong potential among its younger generations, in contrast to Europe’s aging population.

Mirra said the congress in Türkiye could have a positive impact, particularly on students and younger generations. He added that Airbus’ team in Ankara and the company’s permanent office were working on various cooperation options.

Mirra also said he had been working with the International Astronautical Federation and the congress since 1989 and had held management positions on the federation’s technical and administrative committees. Mirra currently chairs the federation’s Industrial Relations Committee, is a member of the International Astronautical Federation’s Hall of Fame and is responsible for Airbus’ commercial relations with the European Space Agency.