Türkiye will host the 77th International Astronautical Congress in 2026 following a flag handover ceremony that concluded the 76th congress in Sydney, Australia.
The hosting protocol was signed between the International Astronautical Federation and the Turkish Space Agency on the closing day of the congress, which took place from Sept. 29 to Oct. 3 under the theme "Sustainable Space: Resilient Earth."
The Sydney congress drew 7,400 delegates from 99 countries.
The Australian Space Industry Association hosted the event with support from the Australian Space Agency and the New South Wales Government.
Türkiye Space Agency President Yusuf Kirac expressed pride in hosting IAC 2026 in Antalya during the signing ceremony.
"We accept this responsibility with pride and determination. We have a challenging task ahead, but we see it as an opportunity to serve the global space community and set high standards," Kirac said.
A promotional video showcasing Türkiye's space vision and hosting preparations for IAC 2026 was shown following the flag handover ceremony.
The congress featured exhibitions and space-themed experiences during a "Public Day" event, allowing participants to explore displays in the foyer area.
The Sydney congress brought together thousands of participants from different regions, delivering messages about peaceful space use, sustainability, and international cooperation.