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Türkiye will host the 77th International Astronautical Congress (IAC) in Antalya on Oct. 5–9, 2026, bringing together more than 10,000 space professionals from around the world, according to the head of the Turkish Space Agency.
Turkish Space Agency President Yusuf Kirac said the congress would mark a historic milestone for Türkiye’s space vision.
Speaking to Anadolu Agency in Izmir, Kirac said the event has been held annually for 77 years and includes 604 member organizations, ranging from national space agencies, including NASA, to private companies.
He said organizers expect more than 10,000 participants and around 50 astronauts to attend the congress in Antalya.
Kirac said Türkiye has made significant progress toward the goals outlined in the National Space Program announced in 2021.
He stressed the strategic importance of independent access to space, noting that Türkiye is currently building a spaceport in a third country, which is expected to be ready in early 2027.
He said the first phase of the facility is planned to be completed within about 1.5 years, with initial launches to follow, and added that the long-term goal is to develop the site into a global launch hub similar to Cape Canaveral.
Kirac said Türkiye aims to replicate the advances made in its defense industry over the past 20 years in the space domain, emphasizing that space capabilities are increasingly central to both civilian and military security.
He also highlighted the importance of academic participation, encouraging Turkish scientists and students to submit papers.
Kirac said record numbers of submissions are expected, following about 4,500 papers presented at the previous congress held in Sydney, Australia.
He noted that the congress covers a wide range of topics beyond aerospace engineering, including space law, space history, nutrition and other fields related to human activity in space.
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