OMM Redaksiyası
The International Astronautical Congress (IAC) opened in Antalya on Monday, bringing together space agencies, companies and researchers from more than 100 countries.
The congress is being held at the NEST Congress Center in the Belek resort area and hosted by the Turkish Space Agency, with aerospace industry cluster SAHA Istanbul as co-organizer. The event runs through Friday.
This year’s congress is being held under the slogan “The world needs more space” and will address lunar and Mars exploration, satellite technologies, commercial space launches, artificial intelligence, sustainable use of space and increasing congestion in orbit.
Organizers say the congress gives governments, researchers and private companies a platform to present new technologies, discuss international rules and explore potential partnerships. The program includes technical sessions, exhibitions and meetings attended by astronauts, engineers, entrepreneurs and senior officials from leading space agencies.
More than 40 countries and organizations are expected to send senior representatives to the Global Space Leaders’ Summit on Tuesday. Participants are also discussing the rapid growth of commercial space activity, orbital debris, military competition and unequal access to space technologies.
As part of the opening program, the “Antalya Declaration for Peace in Space” was signed. Organizers said the document aims to promote the use of space based on the principles of peace, security and sustainability. Details of any specific or binding commitments have not been disclosed.
Statement on Türkiye’s lunar program
Speaking at the opening ceremony, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan said the country’s space program was expanding. He said production, assembly and integration of Türkiye’s first lunar spacecraft had been completed.
According to Erdoğan, the spacecraft weighs about 3.5 metric tons and has a domestic production share of more than 80%. It is undergoing environmental testing ahead of a launch planned for early 2027. Turkish officials have not announced a final launch contract or a precise schedule.
Erdoğan later met with SpaceX executives Rebecca Hunter and Michael Nicolls. Neither side reported any agreement following the talks.
Türkiye announced its National Space Program in 2021. The country’s first astronaut, Alper Gezeravcı, was sent to the International Space Station in 2024. Türkiye has also commissioned its first domestically produced communications satellite, Türksat 6A, and joined the U.S.-led Artemis Accords.
