Türkiye is preparing to host the 77th International Astronautical Congress (IAC 2026), one of the largest international events in the space sector. As interest in the congress, which will be held under the coordination of the Ministry of Industry and Technology, continues to grow, Minister of Industry and Technology Mehmet Fatih Kacır made notable remarks on Türkiye's space goals.
Speaking at the promotional reception for the 77th International Astronautical Congress (IAC 2026), held at the Ankara Ethnography Museum, Kacır said Türkiye was preparing to reach the Moon with a spacecraft developed using domestic capabilities as part of the National Space Program. He said this step would mark the beginning of a new era in Türkiye's space journey.
“Investment in space is investment in humanity's future”
Drawing attention to the strategic importance of space activities in his opening remarks, Kacır said the space economy was growing rapidly and stated:
“Every great leap forward in our civilization throughout history has begun with curiosity.
The spirit of exploration that carried humanity beyond the oceans and expanded the boundaries of science enabled us to turn our gaze toward the skies and ultimately beyond our planet. For generations, scholars have sought to understand the movements of the stars and planets and humanity's place in the universe. Anatolia has held a distinguished place in this unending pursuit of knowledge.
Pioneering figures from Anatolia made lasting contributions to astronomy. Today, Türkiye is carrying this legacy into the future with its bold vision for space science and technologies. At the heart of this ambition are profound changes in the global space ecosystem and the National Technology Initiative, which places leadership in the technologies of the future at the center of Türkiye's development vision.
Until the early 2000s, space activities had remained largely limited to a small number of countries because access to orbit was prohibitively expensive. Since then, falling launch costs and rapid technological advances have opened the field to new countries, companies and researchers. Space technologies have now become embedded in the fabric of modern life.
Technologies initially developed for space are driving innovation in healthcare, manufacturing, communications and many other sectors, improving quality of life around the world. As the global space economy already exceeds $600 billion and is projected to approach $1.8 trillion by 2035, investment in space is no longer solely an investment in exploration.
It is an investment in innovation, competitiveness and humanity's future. Türkiye, aware of this transformation, sees both an opportunity and a responsibility. We must strengthen our scientific and technological capabilities, train highly qualified human resources and actively contribute to the peaceful and sustainable use of space.
“We raised it to a new level with TÜRKSAT 6A”
Emphasizing that Türkiye had made significant progress in space technologies in recent years, Kacır said:
“Our Earth observation journey began with BİLSAT and continued with RASAT, GÖKTÜRK-2 and İMECE. TÜRKSAT 6A, the first communications satellite designed and built in Türkiye, raised these capabilities to a new level.”
Kacır recalled that Alper Gezeravcı, the first Turkish astronaut, conducted 13 scientific experiments aboard the International Space Station as part of the National Space Program. He added that the second astronaut, Tuva Cihangir Atasever, carried out seven experiments during a suborbital research flight.
“These missions stirred the imagination of our nation and inspired millions of young people,” he said.
“We will reach the Moon with a homegrown spacecraft”
Announcing Türkiye's new goal, Kacır said:
“As part of our lunar research program, we are preparing to reach the Moon with a spacecraft designed and built in Türkiye; this initiative will open a new page in our space journey.”
Kacır said work was continuing to establish a space technopark in Ankara.
“This new center will accelerate the growth of space ventures and deepen cooperation among industry, academia and research institutions,” he said.
Addressing the spaceport project, Kacır said:
“We have begun work on a spaceport that will not only secure Türkiye's independent access to space but also serve as an international launch center for countries and commercial ventures.”
Kacır also said they were advancing the Regional Positioning and Timing System project.
“As an important step in this project, we sent an atomic clock into space,” he said.
“Antalya will become the world's space hub”
Recalling that the International Astronautical Congress would be held in Antalya in 2026, Kacır said interest in the event had reached a record level.
“This year's Call for Abstracts received more than 8,330 submissions from 108 countries, the highest figure in the history of the International Astronautical Congress. We expect to welcome more than 10,000 participants from over 100 countries.”
“Türkiye is ready to assume its share of the responsibility”
Stating that Türkiye aimed to strengthen international cooperation in the space sector, Kacır said:
“With its growing capabilities, dynamic ecosystem and unwavering commitment to peaceful, sustainable and inclusive international cooperation, Türkiye is ready to assume its share of this responsibility.”
Kacır concluded his speech by saying:
“We invite national space agencies, universities, research institutions and private-sector organizations to contribute to IAC 2026. We look forward to welcoming you to Antalya.”
