Hosted by Türkiye for the first time, the 77th International Astronautical Congress (IAC 2026) brought together 7,604 delegates from 111 countries and 18,642 participants in total. With record numbers of abstract submissions and participants, the Congress provided a platform for new international partnerships, activities connecting young people with the space ecosystem, and the adoption of the Antalya Declaration on Space for Peace.
Organised by the International Astronautical Federation (IAF), under the coordination of the Ministry of Industry and Technology and co-hosted by the Turkish Space Agency (TUA) and SAHA Istanbul, IAC 2026 took place at the Antalya NEST Congress and Exhibition Centre from 5 to 9 October.
Held under the theme “The World Needs More Space”, the Congress brought together space agencies, scientists, engineers, astronauts, technology companies, entrepreneurs, investors, students and young professionals. Scientific research, space technologies and international cooperation were at the heart of the five-day programme.
OPENING CEREMONY ATTENDED BY PRESIDENT ERDOĞAN
The Congress opened with a ceremony attended by President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan. Highlighting the importance of space activities in making life safer, more prosperous and more sustainable, President Erdoğan reaffirmed Türkiye’s determination to advance its scientific and technological capabilities.
Reflecting on Türkiye’s achievements, from satellite technologies to human spaceflight, Erdoğan highlighted İMECE, TÜRKSAT 6A, the Turkish Astronaut and Science Mission, and the lunar exploration goal under the National Space Programme as key elements of the country’s space vision.
RECORD ABSTRACT SUBMISSIONS AND A STRONG SCIENTIFIC CONTRIBUTION FROM TÜRKİYE
IAC 2026 received 8,330 scientific abstract submissions from 108 countries. With 1,810 submissions, Türkiye achieved the highest number of abstracts submitted by a single country in the history of the Congress. Türkiye also ranked first among countries with 674 accepted abstracts.
The scientific and technical programme addressed lunar and Mars missions, human spaceflight, satellite and launch technologies, Earth observation, in-space manufacturing, artificial intelligence applications, space debris and space traffic management. Türkiye’s first lunar mission was also presented to the international space community in a dedicated session.
ANTALYA DECLARATION ON SPACE FOR PEACE
One of the Congress’s major diplomatic outcomes was the adoption of the “Antalya Declaration on Space for Peace” at the 16th Meeting of Ministers and Parliamentarians on 4 October.
Developed under Türkiye’s leadership and marking a first in the history of the Congress, the Declaration initially received the support of 32 ministers, parliamentarians and representatives of space organisations from 21 countries. It affirms the peaceful, safe and sustainable use of outer space, stronger international cooperation, and equitable access to the benefits space offers.
Minister of Industry and Technology Mehmet Fatih Kacır described the Declaration as “a strong expression of our determination to shape the future of space through shared responsibility”. Remaining open for further endorsements, the Declaration invites the international community to join the collective effort to preserve space as a domain of peace, dialogue and cooperation.
TUA TAKES STEPS TO STRENGTHEN INTERNATIONAL COOPERATION
The Turkish Space Agency signed cooperation documents during the Congress to advance its international partnerships.
A framework agreement signed with the space organisations of member countries of the Organization of Turkic States aims to build on cooperation under the joint CubeSat project and lay the groundwork for new space projects. A declaration of intent signed with the UK Space Agency seeks to develop cooperation and joint projects in the space sector.
The Congress also provided a platform for international partnerships involving Türkiye’s space industry. A protocol signed between TÜRKSAT and China Satcom envisages joint research and development, product development and commercialisation activities in space technologies.
FUTURE SPACE: NEW OPPORTUNITIES FOR YOUNG PEOPLE AND ENTREPRENEURS
Introduced for the first time in IAC history, the “Future Space” area brought next-generation space technologies, simulations and interactive experiences to participants.
Through the Beyond Orbit programme, prepared under the coordination of the Ministry of Industry and Technology, led by TÜBİTAK and in cooperation with TUA, space startups connected with investors, industrial organisations, public institutions and international partners. Activities for young researchers and professionals created opportunities to share new ideas and explore potential collaborations.
CONNECTING WITH ASTRONAUTS THROUGH SCIENCE AND EXPLORATION
As announced by Minister Kacır, more than 40 astronauts attended the Congress. Alongside their participation in the scientific programme, astronauts met visitors and shared their experiences of space missions.
During the Salda programme, Minister Kacır and visiting astronauts travelled to Lake Salda, which has attracted scientific interest for its geological similarities to Mars. The opening of a space-themed science centre beside the lake provided a lasting contribution to bringing science closer to children and young people.
PUBLIC DAY WELCOMES MORE THAN 11,000 VISITORS
On 9 October, the Congress opened its doors to the public. Antalya NEST Congress and Exhibition Centre welcomed more than 11,000 technology enthusiasts, students and visitors.
At the panel “The Future Starts Here: Technology, Space and the Next Generation”, Minister of Industry and Technology Mehmet Fatih Kacır and BAYKAR Chairman Selçuk Bayraktar came together for a discussion moderated by Anadolu Agency Chairman and Director General Serdar Karagöz. The panel addressed the National Technology Initiative, Türkiye’s space ambitions and the role of young people in shaping the future.
Minister Kacır outlined Türkiye’s goals for its Lunar Programme, spaceport project in Somalia and domestic launch systems, highlighting the importance of young people to the success of the National Space Programme.
Public Day also featured astronaut autograph sessions and a screening of “Salda: A Bridge to the Red Planet”, produced by AA Productions.
ANATOLIA’S CULTURAL HERITAGE MEETS THE GLOBAL SPACE COMMUNITY
“Anadoludakiler Bazaar – Space Mission” introduced international participants to Anatolia’s cultural heritage and local production capabilities. Minister Kacır and astronauts explored traditional crafts and took part in practical demonstrations. Turkish coffee, ebru—the traditional art of paper marbling—and Tokat woodblock printing were among the cultural traditions shared with representatives of the global space community.
THE IAF COMMUNITY EXPANDS IN ANTALYA
IAF President Gabriella Arrigo announced that 51 new organisations joined the Federation during the Congress, bringing its membership to more than 621 organisations across 84 countries.
IAF awards were presented to individuals and organisations contributing to space activities. Young space leaders and successful participants in student competitions were also recognised.
GALA AT ASPENDOS: A SHARED HOPE FOR LASTING PARTNERSHIPS
Following five days of science, technology and diplomacy, representatives of the international space community gathered for a gala evening at the Aspendos Ancient Theatre.
Speaking at the gala, Minister Kacır said: “Over the past five days, we have witnessed an exceptionally comprehensive programme that brought together almost every part of the global space ecosystem in Antalya.”
Kacır explained that, in hosting the Congress, Türkiye had aimed to help scientists establish new research partnerships, technology companies connect with new customers and supply chains, startups engage directly with investors, and space agencies explore opportunities for joint missions. He also highlighted the inspiration offered to young people as one of the Congress’s most important achievements.
Expressing his hope that the connections made in Antalya would lead to lasting friendships, scientific partnerships, new technology projects and joint space missions, Kacır thanked the IAF, TUA, SAHA Istanbul, partners and all participants.
IAF FLAG HANDED OVER TO POLAND
During the closing ceremony, the IAF flag was handed over to Poland, which will host the Congress in Poznań in 2027. Geneva, Switzerland, was also announced as the host city for the 2029 Congress.
The Turkish Space Agency thanks all institutions that contributed to IAC 2026, co-host SAHA Istanbul, sponsors, scientific and organising teams, volunteers, and participants who travelled to Antalya from around the world