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Stepping up efforts under its National Space Program, Türkiye is preparing to host the International Astronautical Congress (IAC) in the southern Turkish city of Antalya in 2026, positioning itself as a rising actor in global space diplomacy.
According to information compiled by Turkish news agency Anadolu, the move follows Türkiye’s completion of its first human space missions in 2024 and reflects Ankara’s broader push to secure a lasting role among countries shaping the future of space and aviation.
Türkiye’s recent space journey accelerated with astronauts Alper Gezeravci and Tuva Cihangir Atasever, who carried out human space science missions in 2024, marking a milestone for the country.
After showcasing its space activities at IAC events in Milan in 2024 and Sydney last year, Türkiye will now host the congress for the first time.
The 77th International Astronautical Congress, scheduled for Oct. 5–9, 2026, will be held in Antalya and is expected to bring together more than 10,000 participants, including astronauts, scientists, entrepreneurs, academics and senior representatives from the global space and aviation sectors.
Held under the slogan “The world needs more space,” the congress will feature discussions on space, sustainability, technology, aviation and tourism, while serving as a global showcase for Türkiye’s growing space capabilities.
Türkiye will also assume a more visible leadership role at the congress. Turkish Space Agency (TUA) President Yusuf Kirac was recently elected vice president of the International Astronautical Federation (IAF) and chairman of the Asia-Pacific Space Cooperation Organization council, underscoring Türkiye’s expanding influence in space diplomacy.
Officials say the congress will help Türkiye increase its share of the global space economy, which is projected to reach $1.8 trillion by 2035, while also fostering new international partnerships.
Türkiye has significantly increased funding for space activities. The budget allocated by the Ministry of Industry and Technology rose from around 5 billion liras last year to approximately 9 billion liras in 2026.
Under the Moon Program, Ankara has also advanced plans for a spaceport project, aimed at enabling Türkiye to launch satellites and future Moon mission vehicles independently. The spaceport is planned to be built in Somalia, providing Türkiye with autonomous access to space.
Türkiye’s space push gained momentum with Gezeravci’s launch to the International Space Station on Jan. 18, 2024, where he conducted 13 scientific experiments.
Later that year, Atasever completed a suborbital spaceflight, making Türkiye one of the few countries to send two astronauts into space within a single year.
Türkiye also joined the small group of countries capable of producing their own satellites with the launch of Türksat 6A.
The National Space Program includes goals such as a Moon mission, next-generation satellite development, a national positioning and timing system, expanded astronomical observation capabilities, space industry growth and the creation of a space technology development zone.
Industry and Technology Minister Mehmet Fatih Kacir said preparations for the congress are ongoing, describing IAC 2026 as an opportunity to present Türkiye’s space ambitions to the world.
“We will deliver an event worthy of our country that announces Türkiye’s rise in space science and technologies under the leadership of our president,” Kacir said.
The congress will be held at the NEST Congress Center in Antalya under the coordination of the Ministry of Industry and Technology, hosted by TUA and SAHA Istanbul.
Organizers said the event will include an international exhibition, high-level panels, institutional and corporate presentations, and academic and technical sessions, bringing global decision-makers together to shape the future of the space ecosystem.
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