Antalya Completes Preparations for International Astronautical Congress
Antalya has completed preparations for the 77th International Astronautical Congress (IAC 2026), which Turkey will host for the first time. The forum will run from October 5 to 9.
Abdulrahman Sadikhli3 min read
Antalya has completed preparations for the 77th International Astronautical Congress (IAC 2026). Turkey will host the event for the first time. This year's congress, held annually by the International Astronautical Federation, will take place on October 5–9 under the coordination of the Ministry of Industry and Technology, with the Turkish Space Agency and SAHA İstanbul acting as hosts.
Antalya, which welcomes millions of tourists every year and has already hosted international events such as the G20 summit, the NATO summit and the Antalya Diplomacy Forum, has prepared everything necessary for the space congress. The venue will be the NEST Congress and Exhibition Center in the Belek tourism district. Security has been reinforced around the center, and its indoor spaces have been set up for the opening ceremony, sessions and meetings.
The visual materials prepared for the congress feature images of Antalya's historical and natural landmarks, including the ancient cities of Side and Aspendos, Kaputaş Beach and the Yivli Minare.
Turkish Space Agency Director Yusuf Kıraç said preparations began after Antalya was announced as the host of the 77th International Astronautical Congress three years ago. According to him, agency representatives attended congresses in Milan and Sydney to gain experience.
“Intensive work is under way in the congress zone. International companies from the space industry will take part in the congress. SpaceX, Airbus, Boeing, as well as many companies from the Far East, China and Europe, will be here. These companies will present their technical products.”
108 countries and a world record for submissions
Kıraç noted that academics will take part in the congress with their scientific papers.
“A record has been set at this event, which is being held in Turkey for the first time. Thousands of submissions with scientific papers have come in from 108 countries. The interest of Turkish young people is especially encouraging. More than 1,800 papers came to the congress from Turkey. This is a world record — the highest number of papers from a single country in 77 years. About 700 of them have been accepted. Our young people will come and present their papers.”
Future Space zone for the first time
According to the head of the agency, thanks to bilateral contacts and agreements that will be concluded in Antalya, the organizers want to help ideas turn into products.
“For the first time in the history of the congress, a Future Space zone will be created here. It will feature startups that have entered the top 10 in certain ministry competitions, as well as TEKNOFEST winners. Foreign startups will also be in this zone.”
Source: milliyet.com.tr
