The 2026 International Space Congress will be held at Antalya NEST Congress Center under the coordination of the Ministry of Industry and Technology, with the Türkiye Space Agency and SAHA Istanbul serving as co-hosts.
The event aims to showcase Türkiye’s space diplomacy and its vision under the National Space Program on the global stage. Host countries set a special theme for the congress, which is organized annually by the International Astronautical Federation.
The congress theme emphasizes a shared future
The theme selected by Türkiye, "The World Needs More Space," expresses not only a vision of space exploration but also a vision for humanity’s shared future.
The phrase "More Space" in the theme points to the need for humanity to continue exploring, understanding and using space responsibly. It also carries a call for space and the space ecosystem to become more accessible and inclusive for everyone.
In this context, the theme emphasizes more opportunities for women, greater inspiration and participation for young people, and stronger representation for developing countries and countries newly joining the space ecosystem. It highlights the need to create more room for researchers, entrepreneurs, innovative ideas, scientific studies, technology development and international cooperation.
Peaceful and sustainable use of space to be discussed
The congress will address the protection of the safe, peaceful, accessible and sustainable use of space. It will also consider enabling all countries, regardless of their level of development, to benefit from the opportunities offered by space technologies and encouraging greater participation by new generations in space activities.
Technical sessions and high-level meetings will address developments in areas including Earth observation, climate monitoring, disaster management, satellite communications, artificial intelligence, commercial space activities and deep-space missions.
More than 10,000 participants expected in Antalya
A total of 8,330 abstracts were submitted for the congress from 108 countries. This was recorded as the highest number of abstract submissions in the history of the International Space Congress.
More than 10,000 participants from over 100 countries are expected to meet in Antalya for the event. The aim is for ideas assessed on a common platform after the congress to become a lasting legacy through scientific and technological cooperation.
Minister of Industry and Technology Mehmet Fatih Kacır said they aim for the congress to open new channels of dialogue, bring scientific communities together, support industrial partnerships and inspire young people.
