OMM Redaksiyası
The third day of the International Astronautical Congress (IAC) in Antalya focused on international cooperation, lunar exploration and the growing role of artificial intelligence in the space sector.
On Wednesday, astronauts, space agency representatives, researchers and private-sector executives discussed future Mars missions, increasing congestion in Earth orbit and governance in the space age.
Organizers said 7,500 registered delegates from more than 100 countries attended the five-day event, held under the theme “The world needs more space.”
International Astronautical Federation (IAF) President Gabriella Arrigo said the organization was working to keep channels of dialogue open amid geopolitical differences, technological competition and the growing number of private companies entering the space sector.
Wednesday also saw the fifth annual meeting of countries that have joined the U.S.-led Artemis Accords. The accords set out principles for the peaceful, transparent and sustainable exploration of the Moon and other celestial bodies.
The non-binding agreements address issues including the sharing of scientific data, interoperability of systems, assistance in emergencies and preventing harmful interference with space operations. More than 75 countries have joined the framework, established in 2020.
Congress discussions also covered the use of artificial intelligence in Mars missions, next-generation space infrastructure, legal issues related to building space stations, planetary defense and commercial activity in low Earth orbit.
On Wednesday, the IAF signed an agreement with the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency establishing an initial framework for holding the Global Space Exploration Conference in Japan in the summer of 2028.
Türkiye’s space plans were also on the agenda. Yusuf Kıraç, head of the Turkish Space Agency, said the country intends to expand its existing satellite project with member states of the Organization of Turkic States and eventually produce a joint space module.
Türkiye, which joined the Artemis Accords in August as the 71st signatory, is hosting the space congress for the first time. More than 1,000 of the registered delegates are from Türkiye.
The congress will continue through Friday. The venue will be open to the general public that day.
