IAC 2026

Türkiye’s National Space Program

For centuries, the lands of Türkiye have been home to remarkable scientific curiosity and achievements in astronomy. From the early observations and instruments developed in the Seljuk and Ottoman eras to the pioneering work of scholars such as Ali Kuscu, this region has played a notable role in humanity’s exploration of the skies. This deep-rooted heritage continues to inspire our present-day advancements in space science and technology.

In recent decades, Türkiye has transformed this heritage into tangible achievements in modern space activities. Our progress spans from communications and Earth observation satellites to participation in our first Turkish Astronaut and Science Mission. These milestones are stepping stones toward the key objectives set out in our National Space Programme—an ambitious roadmap that embraces cooperation, innovation, and the open exchange of knowledge. By setting our sights on lunar exploration, developing a regional positioning and timing system, and establishing a national spaceport, we aim to contribute not only to our own progress but also to the shared advancement of the global space community.

Historical Roots (780–1600)

  • 01
    Al-Khwarizmi (780–850)

    Al-Khwarizmi (780–850)

    Father of algebra; his astronomical tables advanced the study of planetary and stellar motion.

  • 02
    Al-Farghani (805–870)

    Al-Farghani (805–870)

    Calculated Earth’s axial tilt; his astronomical works were used as textbooks in Europe for centuries.

  • 03
    Al-Battani (858–929)

    Al-Battani (858–929)

    Calculated the solar year as 365 days, 5 hours, 46 minutes; introduced trigonometric functions.

  • 04
    Abu al-Wafa (940–998)

    Abu al-Wafa (940–998)

    Refined sine, cosine, and secant; studied lunar irregularities and developed observation instruments.

  • 05
    Ibn al-Haytham (965–1040)

    Ibn al-Haytham (965–1040)

    Pioneer in optics; explained reflection/refraction and planetary motion; inspired the camera obscura.

  • 06
    Al-Biruni (973–1048)

    Al-Biruni (973–1048)

    Calculated Earth’s circumference, studied the Moon’s distance, and developed early ideas on gravity.

  • 07
    Qadi Zada al-Rumi (1337–1430)

    Qadi Zada al-Rumi (1337–1430)

    Mentor to Ulugh Beg; improved the mathematical precision of astronomical calculations.

  • 08
    Al-Kashi (1380–1429)

    Al-Kashi (1380–1429)

    Calculated pi with high precision, introduced decimal fractions, designed astronomical instruments.

  • 09
    Ulugh Beg (1394–1449)

    Ulugh Beg (1394–1449)

    Founded the Samarkand Observatory; produced one of history’s most accurate star catalogs.

  • 10
    Ali Kuşçu (1403–1474)

    Ali Kuşçu (1403–1474)

    Student of Ulugh Beg; brought astronomy to the Ottoman Empire under Sultan Mehmed the Conqueror.

  • 11
    Taqi al-Din (1526–1585)

    Taqi al-Din (1526–1585)

    Established the Istanbul Observatory; systematized trigonometry and studied stellar and lunar motion.

Modern Journey (1985–2026)

  • 01
    1985 – TÜBİTAK UZAY Founded

    1985 – TÜBİTAK UZAY Founded

    Türkiye’s first national space research institute.

  • 02
    1994 – Türksat 1B

    1994 – Türksat 1B

    Türkiye’s first communication satellite launched.

  • 03
    2001 – BİLSAT

    2001 – BİLSAT

    One of Türkiye’s first observation satellites.

  • 04
    2011 – RASAT

    2011 – RASAT

    The first national Earth observation satellite launched.

  • 05
    2012 – Göktürk-2

    2012 – Göktürk-2

    High-resolution observation satellite for defense and science.

  • 06
    2016 – Göktürk-1

    2016 – Göktürk-1

    Strategic observation satellite entered service.

  • 07
    2018 – Turkish Space Agency (TUA)

    2018 – Turkish Space Agency (TUA)

    Established under the Presidency of the Republic of Türkiye.

  • 08
    2021 – National Space Programme

    2021 – National Space Programme

    Türkiye’s 10-year vision for space announced.

  • 09
    2023 – İMECE

    2023 – İMECE

    High-resolution national Earth observation satellite launched.

  • 10
    2024 – First Turkish Astronaut

    2024 – First Turkish Astronaut

    Alper Gezeravcı joined the International Space Station.

  • 11
    2026 – IAC Antalya

    2026 – IAC Antalya

    The world’s most prestigious space congress hosted by Türkiye.