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Minister Kacır says space technologies matter for humanity’s shared future
Industry and Technology Minister Mehmet Fatih Kacır said at the gala program of the five-day 77th International Astronautical Congress in Antalya that space technologies are important for humanity’s shared future.
Industry and Technology Minister Mehmet Fatih Kacır said at the gala program of the 77th International Astronautical Congress (IAC 2026) in Antalya that space technologies are important for humanity’s shared future.
Speaking at the event at the ancient Aspendos Theater, Kacır said Antalya had hosted a comprehensive program bringing together different stakeholders from the global space ecosystem over five days.
Broad space agenda at the congress
Kacır said space agencies, scientists, engineers, astronauts, technology companies, entrepreneurs, investors and students had come together at the congress. The event addressed a wide range of topics, from scientific discoveries to satellite and launch technologies, human spaceflight and Earth observation.
Kacır said the space economy, sustainability and international cooperation were also on the agenda. He noted that they aimed to enable scientists to establish new research partnerships, technology companies to connect with new customers and supply chains, startups to engage with investors, and space agencies to develop joint missions.
“The world needs more space”
Kacır said the theme of the congress had been set as “The World Needs More Space” and noted that the goal was not merely to explore new horizons. He said they sought to shape a future built on scientific cooperation and technological innovation, with new partnerships and broader opportunities for future generations.
Emphasizing that space technologies had become an integral part of life on Earth, Kacır said their impact was becoming increasingly visible in areas such as satellite systems, Earth observation, communications and navigation. He also noted that technologies developed for space were generating new capabilities and economic value in various fields.
Kacır said greater international cooperation, broad knowledge exchange and strong partnerships were needed to turn the scientific and technological opportunities offered by space into benefits for all humanity. He said they viewed space as a valuable common domain at a time when conflicts, geopolitical tensions and divisions were deepening in different parts of the world.
Türkiye’s space vision
Kacır said space brought together scientists, engineers, entrepreneurs and decision-makers from different countries around shared scientific goals, adding that the field strengthened humanity’s capacity for cooperation.
Kacır said Türkiye, under the leadership of President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, had set out an ambitious vision to become a leading country in space science and technologies. He said they were investing in scientific capabilities, developing domestic technologies and expanding international partnerships under the guidance of the National Space Program.
Kacır said they viewed Türkiye’s progress in space not merely as a national achievement but as an opportunity to contribute to humanity’s shared pursuit of knowledge, discovery and prosperity. He noted that they expected the contacts and partnerships established at the congress to develop into concrete cooperation in the period ahead.
New opportunities for young people in space
Kacır said it was also important for the congress to inspire future generations. He said thousands of young people had the opportunity to meet leading scientists, engineers and astronauts, discover new technologies and gain firsthand insight into the opportunities offered by space activities.
Kacır said the experiences gained in Antalya would encourage young people to pursue careers in science and technology, develop new ideas and lead efforts that would contribute to humanity’s progress. He said the engineers who would design the spacecraft of the future, the scientists who would make new contributions and the technology entrepreneurs who would shape the global space economy would emerge from among these young people.
Emphasizing that lasting success in space science and technology depended on more than building advanced infrastructure or developing powerful rockets, satellites and spacecraft, Kacır said the scientific energy in Antalya had strengthened confidence in this goal.
New partnerships targeted
Kacır said he hoped the congress in Antalya would go beyond being a successful organization and pave the way for lasting friendships, scientific partnerships, new technology projects and joint space missions.
Thanking the International Astronautical Federation, the Turkish Space Agency and SAHA Istanbul for their contributions to holding the congress in Türkiye, Kacır said institutions, companies, scientists, astronauts, entrepreneurs and young people who had come to Antalya from different countries had contributed to the program with their knowledge and experience.
International Astronautical Federation President Gabriella Arrigo said the federation aimed to bring people together across borders, advance space exploration, expand educational opportunities and make the benefits offered by space available to all humanity.
Vast astronaut Andrew Feustel said it was meaningful for them to come together at the approximately 2,000-year-old ancient Aspendos Theater to discuss the future of science, technology and space exploration. Feustel thanked those who contributed to the organization, its sponsors, the International Astronautical Federation, the Turkish Space Agency and SAHA Istanbul.
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