Turkey hosts International Astronautical Congress for the first time

Turkey is hosting the International Astronautical Congress (IAC) for the first time in the event's 70-year history. Organized by the International Astronautical Federation (IAF), the congress serves as the largest annual gathering for global space sector professionals, including policymakers, agency heads, scientists, and astronauts.

The hosting of the event aligns with Turkey's expanding space ambitions. The country recently joined the Artemis Accords, a set of principles for civil lunar exploration led by the United States. Additionally, the Turkish Institute of Space Technologies (TUBITAK UZAY) has completed the integration of Turkey's first spacecraft intended for a lunar mission. This spacecraft, which features components that are 80 percent domestically produced, is scheduled for launch in the first half of 2027 to conduct research in lunar orbit for at least three months.

Turkey's space capabilities also include the Türksat telecommunications satellite fleet and the recent launch of its first atomic clock into orbit.