OMM Redaksiyası
The 77th International Astronautical Congress (IAC) will be held in Antalya, Türkiye, from Oct. 5 to 9, 2026. It will be the first time Türkiye has hosted the prestigious international event.
The congress, organized by the International Astronautical Federation and hosted by the Turkish Space Agency, will be held under the theme “The World Needs More Space.” Thousands of specialists, researchers, companies and representatives of space agencies are expected to attend.
Congress themes and objectives
The congress will address space exploration, security and sustainability, as well as the importance of international cooperation as more countries and private companies expand their activities beyond Earth’s orbit.
The event will give researchers, space agencies and business representatives an opportunity to exchange ideas, present new technologies and build partnerships. Topics on the program will include space research, astronomy, space debris, commercial activity, sustainability and the impact of space on society.
Antalya and Türkiye’s space sector
Known for its tourism industry and Mediterranean coastline, Antalya is also home to universities and research institutions working in astronomy, space sciences and aerospace engineering.
Hosting the congress will give Türkiye an opportunity to present its growing role in the global space sector to an international audience. Last year’s IAC was held in Sydney under the theme “Sustainable Space: Resilient Earth.” The 2026 gathering will focus on keeping space safe, accessible and sustainable for future generations.
What will be on the program?
IAC 2026 will bring together technical sessions, plenary events, interactive presentations, exhibitions and networking programs. Its technical program is organized around five main areas: science and research, applications and operations, technology, infrastructure, and space and society.
Organizers received more than 8,300 abstracts from 108 countries. Selected research will be discussed in 204 technical sessions.
Alongside the scientific program, plenary discussions and interactive sessions will give policymakers, researchers, industry leaders, entrepreneurs and students a setting to exchange ideas and develop partnership opportunities. The official program also includes networking events and an exhibition showcasing different parts of the space sector.
The congress program emphasizes that space is no longer limited to research, but is also closely connected to communications, Earth observation, security, climate resilience, scientific research and economic development. International cooperation will therefore be one of the main topics of discussion at the Antalya gathering.
