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Türkiye may take part in international space projects such as Artemis, Türkiye Space Agency President Yusuf Kirac said at SAHA 2026 International Defense, Aerospace and Space Industry Fair in Istanbul, where the country’s space vision and global cooperation opportunities were discussed.
“We have a situation of taking part in international projects such as Artemis, and you will hear about them soon,” Kirac said.
Kirac spoke during the “International Astronautical Congress (IAC) 2026 Antalya, Türkiye’s Space Vision and Global Cooperation Opportunities” panel, held on the second day of SAHA 2026 at the Istanbul Expo Center.
The panel was moderated by Industry and Technology Ministry Adviser and IAC 2026 Director Emine Dogrukok.
Kirac said countries are increasingly focusing on space for security, adding that launch and satellite systems are becoming more important.
He said architecture development and economic resilience also affect the growth of the space economy.
Kirac said Türkiye will start a space shuttle process next year with hybrid propulsion systems as part of efforts linked to Moon mission technologies.
“Our aim is to develop technologies to go to the Moon,” Kirac said. “Deep space missions have now started to gain importance.”
He said some satellites can be repositioned by maneuvering between different orbits, adding that Fergani tested this capability this year.
“This year, Fergani tested this, and now we have more assurance,” Kirac said.
Kirac said a new space competition has begun among private companies, making it necessary for Türkiye to strengthen its space ecosystem.
“As Turkish Space Agency (TUA), we are trying to strengthen our ecosystems. Otherwise, it will not be easy to take part in the space competition,” he said.
He added that the agency will work with universities next year and currently has cooperation with Middle East Technical University (METU) and Istanbul Technical University (ITU).
International Astronautical Federation President Gabriella Arrigo said the federation aims to promote space cooperation and support the contribution of space technology services and applications to peace around the world.
Arrigo said the federation has 604 members from 82 countries.
She described IAC as an event that brings together all space actors and hosts more than 10,000 participants, including ministers, industry leaders, entrepreneurs and students.
“When choosing Antalya’s candidacy, we wanted it to show the diversity of the international space community,” Arrigo said.
She said the 2024 Milan congress received 7,000 papers from 103 countries, while Sydney received 6,400 paper submissions.
“For IAC to be held in Antalya in 2026, I proudly say that 8,325 papers came from 108 countries,” Arrigo said. “In an unprecedented way, 1,810 contributions also came from Türkiye, the highest participation seen in the history of this congress.”
Arrigo said Antalya’s difference comes from Türkiye’s cultural heritage, hospitality, hard work and innovation ecosystem, adding that Türkiye’s showcase will emerge through the event.
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