Turkey's Antalya to Host 77th International Astronautical Congress with Sea Turtle Mascot

Antalya, Turkey, will host the 77th International Astronautical Congress (IAC 2026) from October 5‑9, organized by the Turkey Space Agency under the Ministry of Industry and Technology and co‑hosted by the International Astronautical Federation. The congress will be held at the NEST Congress Center in Belek, a key nesting site for the endangered Caretta caretta sea turtle.

The conference has chosen a Caretta caretta turtle as its official mascot, using the slogan “From the Turquoise to the Stars” to link the turtle’s long migratory journey with humanity’s quest for space. The mascot highlights Turkey’s space diplomacy, the national space program, and themes of sustainability, biodiversity protection, and environmental responsibility.