Newsletters
Türkiye must work with other countries to protect the peaceful, safe and sustainable use of space and ensure its benefits reach as many people and nations as possible, Industry and Technology Minister Mehmet Fatih Kacir said at the preliminary opening of the 77th International Astronautical Congress in Antalya.
“We need to protect the peaceful, safe and sustainable use of space,” Kacir said. “We must also work together to ensure that the benefits offered by space reach as many people and countries as possible.”
He said such challenges cannot be addressed by any single country, institution or company and require cooperation, shared knowledge and a common commitment to the future.
The 77th International Astronautical Congress, organized by the International Astronautical Federation, is being held at the NEST Congress Center in Antalya under the coordination of Türkiye’s Industry and Technology Ministry and jointly hosted by the Turkish Space Agency and SAHA Istanbul.
Participants from more than 100 countries are attending the five-day gathering.
Kacir said Türkiye is developing a sustainable space ecosystem through its National Space Program while strengthening capabilities in science, technology and engineering.
He said Türkiye is also developing critical space technologies aimed at strengthening its independence and enabling more ambitious missions.
Türkiye’s astronauts have already carried scientific experiments into space, Kacir said, adding that the country is now preparing for another major step: reaching the Moon.
“Our goal is to reach the Moon in 2027 using our own national hybrid propulsion technology,” he said.
“With this mission, Türkiye aims to become the first country to leave a deep-space legacy using domestically developed hybrid propulsion technology.”
Kacir said Türkiye is developing its first spacecraft largely with domestic technologies.
He said the mission is not simply a journey to the Moon but is also intended to develop the knowledge, technology and human resources that will shape Türkiye’s future in space.
Kacir said participants at the congress would see how the engineering expertise, manufacturing capabilities and culture of cooperation that made Türkiye a leading player in the defense industry are advancing the country’s space activities.
He pointed to a rapidly growing ecosystem bringing together major industrial companies, small and medium-sized enterprises, universities, research institutes, technology startups and young talent.
Participants would also meet young people ready to contribute to future space missions, he said.
Kacir said researchers, engineers, technicians and young people who believe Türkiye can go further stand behind each step of the country’s space program.
The theme of this year’s congress is “The World Needs More Space.”
Kacir said space helps people understand the planet while supporting communications, navigation and disaster response, as well as creating new opportunities for science, technology and exploration.
He said the benefits of space should reach people everywhere.
Under President Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s leadership, Türkiye is determined to help transform advances in space into lasting benefits for humanity, Kacir said.
He also recalled that scientists and scholars in the region studied the night sky long before humans were able to send spacecraft beyond Earth.
At Türkiye’s national observatories in Bakirlitepe in the Taurus Mountains, scientists continue to observe the night sky, he said.
Kacir said earlier scholars built observatories, developed tools and shared knowledge, leaving a legacy that showed major discoveries become possible when people come together and exchange knowledge.
He said that message was particularly meaningful as Türkiye hosted the 77th International Astronautical Congress.
Set as preferred source
Set as preferred source
1 min read
1 min read
