Antalya to host the world’s largest space congress
On 5 October 2026, Antalya, Turkey, will play host to the 77th International Astronautical Congress (IAC), a significant global event dedicated to space technology and exploration.
This landmark occasion will be marked by the participation of Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan during the opening ceremony, an act that underscores Turkey' s increasing focus and ambition within the international space sector.
The congress is expected to attract an impressive 35,000 participants, including experts, scientists, and industry leaders from 82 countries. The IAC is recognised as the world' s premier annual meeting place for the space community, where new scientific breakthroughs, technological innovations, and future space missions are presented and discussed.
The event will bring together representatives from 604 organisations globally, providing a unique platform for networking, knowledge exchange, and the establishment of international collaborations.
Topics will range from advanced satellite technology and space exploration to space policy and sustainability in space. For Turkey, hosting the IAC represents a strategic opportunity to strengthen the country' s position as an emerging player within the aerospace industry.
It helps to put Turkey on the map as a technological hub and promotes direct interaction between Turkish researchers, engineers, and companies with global leaders.
The event aligns with Turkey' s national technology initiatives and its ambition to achieve self-sufficiency in critical technologies, including defence and aerospace. The economic impact of hosting a congress of this magnitude is also significant for Antalya.
With 35,000 attendees, a substantial contribution to the local economy is expected through tourism, the hotel industry, and related services.
Furthermore, it provides Turkish universities and research institutions with an unparalleled opportunity to engage with international experts and showcase their research and development on a global stage. Hosting the IAC highlights Turkey' s ambition to expand its own space programme, which includes plans for the development of satellite technology and potential future space missions.
By facilitating discussions on the latest advancements in space research and technology, Turkey stands to benefit from knowledge transfer and the attraction of foreign investment into its domestic aerospace industry.
This, in turn, could contribute to strengthening the nation' s defence technology and its overall technological competence. In this sense, the 77th International Astronautical Congress is more than just a gathering of experts; it is a manifestation of Turkey' s commitment to becoming a key contributor and innovator in the global space industry.
By facilitating such an international forum, Turkey is strategically positioning itself for future growth and collaboration within one of the world' s most dynamic technology sectors, with implications for both national development and international partnerships.
Source: TRT Haber
