Türkiye has taken the leading role in the space odyssey! Preparations for IAC 2026 Antalya have started.
Türkiye is taking its global role in space one step further. Under the coordination of the Ministry of Industry and Technology, preparations have officially begun for the 77th International Astronautical Congress (IAC 2026), which will be hosted by the Turkish Space Agency (TUA) and co-hosted by SAHA İstanbul in Antalya from 5 to 9 October 2026.
During the IAC 2025 closing ceremony in Sydney, the International Astronautical Federation (IAF) flag was handed over to Türkiye. The flag, received during the ceremony, symbolises the start of IAC 2026, which will be hosted by Türkiye.
The flag was received jointly by Yusuf KIRAÇ, President of the Turkish Space Agency; Alper GEZERAVCI, Türkiye's first astronaut; Emine DOĞRUKÖK, Advisor to the Minister of Industry and Technology; and Levent Kerim UÇA, Secretary General of SAHA Istanbul.
Speaking at the ceremony, TUA President Yusuf KIRAÇ said:
“We congratulate all the organisers and the host city for the great success of IAC 2025 Sydney. Today, it is a great honour for us to receive the IAF flag on behalf of the Turkish Space Agency. We proudly accept this responsibility and set out with the goal of raising the bar even higher with IAC 2026 Antalya. IAC is a global platform that promotes knowledge sharing, cooperation and peaceful space activities. We look forward to welcoming the whole world to Antalya.
“The World Needs More Space” – A View of IAC 2026 Antalya from Space The IAC, one of the world's most prestigious space events, presents a historic opportunity
to showcase Türkiye's space vision and technological capabilities to the international community.
Held under the theme ‘The World Needs More Space’, IAC 2026 will emphasise that space is an area that shapes the common future of all humanity.
The congress, to be held in Antalya, will be an important showcase not only in the field of science and technology, but also in terms of Türkiye's global partnerships and innovation capacity.
