Türkiye joins NASA’s Artemis Accords as 71st signatory

Türkiye has officially joined the Artemis Accords, becoming the 71st signatory to the international framework for peaceful and transparent space exploration. The signing ceremony took place at NASA headquarters in Washington, D.C., with Turkish Industry and Technology Minister Mehmet Fatih Kacır representing the country. NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman hosted the event, welcoming Türkiye to the coalition dedicated to lunar and Martian exploration.

The Accords establish principles for responsible space conduct, including the sharing of scientific data, providing emergency assistance to astronauts, and protecting historically significant lunar sites. Türkiye’s participation aligns with its National Space Program and follows recent milestones, such as the 2024 mission of its first astronaut, Alper Gezeravcı, to the International Space Station.

As part of its expanding space capabilities, Türkiye plans to launch its first lunar mission, AYAP-1, in early 2027. This mission will utilize a hybrid propulsion system to collect data from lunar orbit. Additionally, Minister Kacır noted that Türkiye has begun constructing a spaceport in Somalia to strengthen its role in the global space economy.