At a promotional reception held in Ankara ahead of the International Astronautical Congress (IAC 2026), it was announced that more than 8,330 abstract submissions had been received from 108 countries. Industry and Technology Minister Mehmet Fatih Kacır said this was the highest number of submissions in the history of the IAC.
Numerous ambassadors and representatives of foreign missions attended the reception at the Ethnography Museum. In his address, Minister Kacır said the global space economy had exceeded $600 billion and was expected to approach $1.8 trillion by 2035.
Record submissions and participation expected
Kacır emphasized that more than 8,330 submissions had been received for the “Call for Abstracts” from 108 countries, marking the highest figure in IAC history. He also said the congress had reached its highest-ever number of early registrations and that they expected more than 10,000 participants from over 100 countries.
The congress, which will be held at the Antalya NEST Congress Center from October 5 to 9, will address topics including Earth observation, climate monitoring, disaster management, satellite communications, artificial intelligence and commercial space activities. Kacır said the “IAF Ministers and Parliamentarians Meeting” would also bring policymakers together to shape the future of global space governance.
“The world’s eyes are turning to Türkiye”
International Astronautical Federation (IAF) Executive Director Christian Feichtinger said Türkiye was taking a leading role in space, adding: “The world’s eyes are turning to Türkiye. This is an opportunity to showcase excellence in engineering and a commitment to international cooperation.”
Deputy Foreign Minister Ambassador Levent Gümrükçü said Türkiye aimed to serve as a bridge between developed and developing countries under its National Space Program. Fuat Oktay, chair of the Grand National Assembly of Türkiye’s Foreign Affairs Committee, said they viewed IAC 2026 as a platform for space governance and diplomacy.
Yusuf Kıraç, president of the Turkish Space Agency, said they hoped the congress would become a global gathering that transforms ideas into partnerships. IAC 2026 Director Emine Doğrukök said they aimed to create more space in the sector for women, young people and sustainability under the theme “The World Needs More Space.”
