Antalya hosts 77th International Astronautical Congress with record participation

The 77th International Astronautical Congress (IAC 2026) concluded in Antalya, Turkey, setting new records for participation and scientific engagement. Organized by the International Astronautical Federation (IAF) in coordination with the Turkish Ministry of Industry and Technology, the event was hosted by the Turkish Space Agency (TUA) and SAHA Istanbul.

According to TUA, the congress saw record-breaking attendance with 18,642 total participants, including 7,604 delegates from 111 countries. Additionally, 8,330 scientific paper abstracts were submitted from 108 countries, the highest number in the organization’s 77-year history.

A major diplomatic outcome was the adoption of the Antalya Declaration. Led by Industry and Technology Minister Mehmet Fatih Kacır, the declaration emphasizes the need to protect space as a neutral zone for peace, sustainable development, and a common heritage of humanity amidst rising geopolitical tensions. The declaration was supported by 32 participants from 21 countries on its first day.

The event, themed ‘The World Needs More Space,’ featured high-level participation, including Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan. Discussions spanned satellite and launch technologies, human spaceflight, and the space economy. The congress concluded with a ceremony at the ancient Aspendos Theatre, with future congresses scheduled for Poznan, Poland in 2027 and Geneva in 2029.