Airbus Manager Mirra: We are Holding Discussions with Türkiye on Cooperation in the Field of Moon Exploration and Space

Airbus Defense and Space Corporate Business Growth Business Development Unit Sales Director Carlo Mirra stated that they had discussions with TÜBİTAK on some possible cooperation opportunities in Türkiye and said, "One of these areas is undoubtedly space and especially the exploration of the Moon. Manned space flights and satellite communications are other areas." he said.

Mirra made an evaluation about the 77th International Astronautical Congress (IAC 2026), which will be held at Antalya NEST Congress Center on 5-9 October, under the coordination of the Ministry of Industry and Technology, hosted by the Turkish Space Agency (TUA) and co-hosted by SAHA Istanbul, of which Anadolu Agency is the Global Communication Partner.

Stating that she had never been to Antalya before, Mirra said, "I am excited to come to Antalya. I am excited about the venue, the culture, the event itself and the ceremony. Because this is something that makes me proud and I am very happy that my efforts are appreciated after all these years of work." he said.

Mirra informed that he started working with IAC and the International Astronautical Federation (IAF) in 1989, and said that he has frequently served in leadership positions in many studies of the federation, such as technical and administrative committees, for nearly 40 years.

Stating that he currently serves as the Chairman of the Industrial Relations Committee of the federation, Mirra stated that he was accepted to the "Hall of Fame", a prestigious list given to very limited and respected names around the world who devoted their lives to space studies, astronautics and inspiring future generations.

Mirra pointed out that he was responsible for European Space Agency (ESA) business relations at Airbus and made the following assessment:

"Although I have international business experience, especially in the USA, I am currently primarily interested in European business. However, we follow the rapid growth of political interest and industrial capacity in Türkiye from here. Our company has been operating in Türkiye for a long time. The announcement of the National Space Program, the space plan, the flight of astronauts, the goal of providing independent access to space, all of these are important messages given by the current political administration in Türkiye for the development of the local industry and its prominence in the international arena. IAC is definitely a great springboard for this. Because "We expect approximately 10 thousand people to come to Antalya. This event is a truly strategic launching pad for the local ecosystem and provides this in several different ways. I have seen more than 1800 abstracts submitted to the technical congress by Turkish institutions, which is a very high number. This provides a direct channel for Turkish researchers and industrialists to present their technologies and advances in their work to a truly international environment. This process, ranging from green propulsion systems to small satellite architectures, will be an extremely productive exchange of ideas for all of them."

“YOU HAVE THE MANPOWER TO DEVELOP THE CAPACITY”

Regarding access to the supply chain, Mirra pointed out that well-established companies and newly established enterprises (startups) in Türkiye will share the stages and halls with many international main contractors and also investors, and stated that this closeness will help share competencies, offer solutions and possibly make commercial agreements with international actors.

Emphasizing that the most important issue is "space diplomacy leadership", Mirra said:

"Hosting an event as important as IAC sends a message of determination and reliability in operating in the global environment. Turkey is really determined to play an important role in this field, and this is evidenced by the investments in events and organizational ability. I think this sends a very strong message to strengthen existing relations and establish new ones in terms of international cooperation, sustainability and security in space. There are 85 million people in Türkiye, and I came across data that the average age is 33. This situation is completely opposite to the rest of Europe. Therefore, this is the next 10 years." "It means an extraordinary potential to train the space engineers and scientists of the year. We have the manpower to develop this capacity. We have goals in terms of programs, but the challenge lies in finding and training qualified engineers. Therefore, Türkiye's ability to sustain the economic goals it has today is directly supported by the power to raise a strong, competent and motivated generation of experts. I am sure that a conference like IAC will have a very positive impact, especially on students and young generations."

COOPERATION OPPORTUNITIES ARE BEING WORKED ON

Mirra said that they currently have colleagues in Ankara and that they are working on various cooperation opportunities in their permanent offices there, and that they believe that they can evaluate their mutual experiences in a more partnership-oriented format.

Pointing to Türkiye's developing capabilities in the field of space, Mirra gave the following information about areas where more direct cooperation and participation may be possible:

"We are in negotiations with TÜBİTAK on some possible cooperation opportunities. One of these areas is undoubtedly space and especially the exploration of the Moon. Manned space flights and satellite communications are other areas. As you know, we have experience from the Türksat program. I think that Airbus contributes to the development of industrial capabilities in Türkiye or the acceleration of this development through the Türksat program. This is an area in which we want to continue our relationship and, if possible, expand it further. We can do this within the framework of both industrial cooperation and intergovernmental partnership. For example, "If Türkiye reaches an agreement with the European Commission, ESA or one of the founding countries of Airbus, France, Germany, Spain and the United Kingdom, it would be a development in which we would definitely be interested. Therefore, we are following the developments in this field with great attention."