77th International Astronautical Congress Started in Antalya

The 77th International Astronautical Congress (IAC), organized by the International Astronautical Federation (IAF), is being held at Antalya NEST Congress Center under the coordination of the Ministry of Industry and Technology and co-hosted by the Turkish Space Agency (TUA) and SAHA Istanbul.

Speaking at the preliminary opening of the event, Minister Kacır said that Antalya brings together people from all over the world to establish new connections.

Reminding that the night sky was examined in Türkiye's national observatories in Bakırlıtepe, high in the Taurus Mountains, Kacır said, "Long before people could send spacecraft beyond the Earth, scientists and scientists in our region were examining the same sky. They established observatories, developed instruments and shared their knowledge. Their legacy reminds us of a fact, the greatest discoveries occur when people come together and share information. This is extremely appropriate and appropriate as we begin the 77th International Astronautical Congress in Türkiye." It's a meaningful message." he said.

"WE ARE DEVELOPING A SUSTAINABLE SPACE ECOSYSTEM THROUGH OUR NATIONAL SPACE PROGRAM"

Kacır noted that the theme of the congress was "The World Needs More Space" and that space helps understand the planet.

Stating that space provides communication, navigation and response to disasters, Kacır continued as follows:

"Science creates new opportunities for technology and exploration, and the benefits of space should reach people everywhere. Under the visionary leadership of our President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, Turkey is determined to lead efforts to transform developments in space into lasting benefits for humanity. Through our National Space Program, we are building our competencies in science, technology and engineering, and developing a strong and sustainable space ecosystem. We are developing critical space technologies that strengthen our independence and give us the ability to undertake more ambitious missions."

Kacır explained that Türkiye's astronauts carried their scientific experience into space and that they were preparing for another important step, and that was to reach the Moon.

Stating that Türkiye developed its first spacecraft largely with domestic technologies, Kacır said, "Our goal is to reach the Moon in 2027 using our own national hybrid propulsion technology. With this mission, Turkey aims to be the first country to leave a deep space legacy using its own domestic hybrid propulsion technology. This is not just a trip to the Moon. It is also a mission to develop the knowledge, technology and human resources that will shape Türkiye's future in space." he said.

Minister Kacır said that behind every step there are researchers, engineers, technicians and young people who believe that they can go further.

Stating that the participants will see this passion for 5 days in this event, Kacır said, "You will see how the engineering expertise, production capabilities and culture of cooperation that make Türkiye a leading player in the defense industry advance the work in space. You will discover a rapidly growing ecosystem that brings together large industrial organizations and SMEs, universities and research institutes, technology startups and young talents. You will meet curious, competent young people who are ready to work side by side with you in the space missions of the future." he said.

"WE NEED TO PROTECT THE PEACEFUL, SAFE AND SUSTAINABLE USE OF SPACE"

Pointing out that they see this congress as an opportunity to transform shared common goals into joint projects and new connections into permanent partnerships, Kacır made the following evaluation:

"We have an extraordinary opportunity to launch this work in Antalya with participants from more than 100 countries. Each of you brings different experiences, ideas and expertise. Some of you have been working together for years. Others will meet for the first time this week. This is one of IAC's great values, bringing together people whose paths would never normally cross but who, when they work together, can take us further. A conversation today can lead to a new idea tomorrow. A conversation between two people can open a new door. A new connection is something none of us can do alone." "It can create opportunities you couldn't imagine."

Therefore, Kacır called on the participants to make the most of this week and said:

"Meet new people, share your ideas. Listen to the voices of different perspectives, discover new possibilities. Perhaps, before you leave Antalya, lay the foundations of something that will continue long after the congress is over. We also share an important responsibility. We need to protect the peaceful, safe and sustainable use of space. We must also work together to ensure that the benefits of space reach as many people and countries as possible. These are challenges that no country, institution or company can overcome alone. These are cooperation, knowledge and a common commitment to the future." requires."