On the second day of the SAHA 2026 International Defense, Aerospace Industry Fair, the panel “IAC 2026 Antalya, Türkiye's Space Vision and Global Cooperation Opportunities” took place.
The panel was moderated by Emine Doğrukök, Advisor to the Minister of Industry and Technology and IAC 2026 Director.
In his speech here, Yusuf Kıraç, President of the Turkish Space Agency (TUA), said that every country is focusing more on space for its security and that launch and satellite systems are becoming more and more important.
Stating that the development of architecture and economic resilience is also important for the development of the space economy, Kıraç explained Türkiye's work in the space field.
Kıraç informed that they will launch a space shuttle with hybrid thrust delivery systems next year and said:
“Our goal is to develop technologies to fly to the moon. Space missions are now gaining importance. Some satellites can be repositioned by maneuvering between different orbits. This year Fergani tested this, now we have more guarantees. A new space competition between private companies has begun. For this reason, as TUA, we are trying to strengthen our ecosystems.”
Otherwise, it will not be easy to participate in the space competition. We will be working with universities next year. We work with METU and ITU. “We have the opportunity to participate in international projects like Artemis, you will hear about that soon.”
Historical contribution to the IAC from Türkiye
Gabriella Arrigo, President of the International Astronautical Federation (IAF), briefed on the Federation's mission and explained that its aim is to promote cooperation in space and support services and applications of space technology to contribute to world peace.
Arrigo explained that the association has 604 members from 82 countries:
“IAC is an event that brings together all space stakeholders and has more than 10,000 participants. From ministers to industry leaders, from entrepreneurs to students, everyone comes together here. When selecting Antalya's candidacy, we wanted it to show the diversity of the international space community. The Milan Congress 2024 received 7,000 papers from 103 countries. In Sydney, 6,400 papers were presented.
For the 2026 IAC in Antalya, I can proudly say that 8,325 articles came from 108 countries. An unprecedented number of 1810 entries came from Türkiye, the highest participation in the history of the IAC. If we look at what makes Antalya so special, it is Türkiye's cultural heritage, hospitality, hard work and innovation ecosystem. In this way, Türkiye’s shop window will also be created.”
IAF Vice President Arif Karabeyoğlu also stated that the future of space will be marked by issues of nuclear energy and nuclear propulsion, saying that the horizon of this technology can be determined for up to 20 years.
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