OMM Newsroom
The Organization of Turkic States (OTS) plans to expand cooperation in space science, technology and innovation, including through joint events at major international gatherings and a satellite mission targeted for 2027.
The Ankara Declaration adopted at the OTS’s 13th Summit gave greater prominence to space and aviation initiatives than last year’s Gabala Declaration, alongside economic, trade and diplomatic cooperation, according to Anadolu Agency.
The International Astronautical Congress (IAC), one of the world’s largest gatherings in the sector, has increasingly been hosted by Turkic countries. Azerbaijan hosted the congress in 2023, Türkiye hosted it this year, and Uzbekistan is scheduled to host it in 2028.
OTS members aim to organize “Turkic World Space Days” alongside major international events to raise the organization’s visibility and promote joint initiatives.
Joint satellite mission targets 2027
The declaration highlighted the completion of the production phase of TDT-SAT, a jointly developed 12U CubeSat, describing it as a milestone in technological cooperation among Turkic states.
Testing is expected to reach its final stage this year. The satellite is scheduled to launch in the second half of 2027 from the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan.
Member states are expected to accelerate the remaining legal, regulatory and technical preparations for the mission.
The declaration also welcomed the signing in Antalya on Oct. 6 of the “First Framework Agreement on Developing Cooperation Capacity in the Space Industry within the OTS”.
Youth initiatives and “TEKNOFEST”
The Turkish Space Agency’s Space Explorers Türkiye Space Camp Program was identified as an initiative to develop young talent and strengthen ties among future generations across the Turkic world.
The program is expected to continue and expand, alongside efforts to bring young people together through the “TEKNOFEST” Aviation, Space and Technology Festival.
Elvan Kuzucu Hidir, chairperson of the Board of Trustees of the Türkiye Technology Team Foundation (T3 Foundation), said the festival’s recognition in the Ankara Declaration reflected a shared vision for science, technology and innovation.
She said the foundation sought to help children discover their talents early and turn their ideas into practical projects. Its science centers encourage scientific curiosity, while “Deneyap Technology Workshops” provide hands-on training and “TEKNOFEST” gives young people opportunities to develop and showcase their work.
Kuzucu Hidir said the foundation had expanded its activities beyond Türkiye to Azerbaijan, Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan, the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC), Mauritania and the Balkans.
“Today, we are pleased to have reached more than 6.5 million visitors through our 33 science centers in seven countries,” she said.
She said the initiatives were intended not only to strengthen scientific and technological skills but also to encourage knowledge sharing, joint production and lasting cooperation.
“We believe that the greatest strength of the Turkic world lies in its young people, who come together around our shared values, dream and turn those dreams into concrete projects,” she said.
Kuzucu Hidir reaffirmed the foundation’s commitment to preparing future generations to develop emerging technologies and collaborate across borders.
“The inclusion of TEKNOFEST in the OTS declaration is an important indication of a strong commitment to a shared future and the potential for cooperation,” she added.
