Space diplomacy and international relations expert Dr. Aurelie Trur Mirahmetoğlu said that the space age began with the placement of the first artificial science satellite Sputnik by the Soviet Union in 1957 and that Turkey's interest in space exploration was sparked through diplomatic channels in the 1970s.
Stating that Turkey joined the United Nations (UN) Committee on the Use of Outer Space for Peaceful Purposes shortly after the adoption of the first space agreements, Mirahmetoğlu said, “I find the establishment of the Turkish Space Agency (TUA) and the objectives announced by President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan very positive: “Publishing more texts on space policy, setting strategic objectives and planning accordingly will form the backbone of Turkey's space policy.”
Pointing out that Turkey has a very great potential in the field of space research, Mirahmetoğlu stated that Turkey, which has so far been viewed only as a market, has more opportunities to develop products and services by significantly increasing its capabilities and cooperation.
“More innovative companies should join the ‘New Space’ movement”
Mirahmetoğlu pointed out the importance of Turkey hosting the International Astronautical Congress (IAC) in 2026, which is the largest meeting of the space industry held in different countries every year and attended by tens of thousands of professionals, and said, “This should be used well to further develop further cooperation.” He interpreted it as “a necessary opportunity.”
Regarding Turkey’s work in space, Mirahmetoğlu expressed the following assessment:
“Turkey, which has achieved various important milestones in the space program in recent years, is increasingly seen by neighboring countries as a model for the development of domestic and national technology. Countries in the Middle East and the Asia-Pacific region are following suit.” Turkey is the 'new space' In the new situation that requires rapid action in the commercialization of space, commercial companies in Turkey have started working on the production of 'new space' products and services. A time awaits us when major companies in the defense and space field and TUA will have to make quick decisions. “The innovative company should join the 'new space' movement. Turkey's efforts in the field of space diplomacy can be observed at many levels. Thanks to the country's strategic plans, its future in the space field looks quite bright.
Diplomatic agreements on space
Pointing out that Turkey has also attracted the attention of other countries in terms of space education and exchange programs, Mirahmetoğlu said that the Space Explorers Academy held at the Gökmen Space and Aviation Training Center (GUHEM) in Bursa last year was organized in cooperation with the Organization of Turkish States and TUA. He reminded me that he hosted me.
Stating that more than 60 astronauts and cosmonauts from 18 countries participated in the Space Explorers Congress in GUHEM, Mirahmetoğlu said, “The fact that Russian cosmonauts can attend the congress in Turkey without travel restrictions and meet with their European, American and Chinese counterparts is a great advantage.” “It shows his strong commitment to foreign policy and diplomatic success,” he said.
Mirahmetoğlu stressed that cooperation in space research is important in terms of sharing knowledge, capacities and costs, and recalled that the first Turkish astronaut Alper Gezeravcı was sent into space with the US company Axiom Space from this country.
Stating that Turkey has not yet made a declaration on participating in the voluntary “Artemis Accords” signed by 40 countries led by the US, Mirahmetoğlu said, “However, an international body will be formed under the leadership of Russia and China to cooperate and develop standards for lunar studies to conduct and monitor operations on the station.” “Turkey may have the opportunity to play a larger role within the framework of this agreement through organizations such as the Asia Pacific Space Cooperation Organization (APSCO),” he said.
Bir yanıt yazın