Minister Kacır: Türkiye plays a playmaker role in space diplomacy
Türkiye had a record participation in IAC 2026, which will be held in Antalya, with 955 delegates.
Quick Look
Minister of Industry and Technology Mehmet Fatih Kacır stated that Türkiye ranks first among 108 countries with the most participants in the IAC 2026 to be held in Antalya, and emphasized that Türkiye is the playmaker in space diplomacy.
AI-generated summary
Why It Matters
The International Astronautical Congress (IAC 2026) to be held in Antalya will be held between 5-9 October.
Underlining that they will bring their national space vision together with the world, Kacır made the following evaluation:
"In Antalya, we bring together not only the giants of the global space industry but also the common mind of science, innovation and international cooperation. The fact that our country ranks first among 108 countries in the delegate records is the most concrete indicator of the belief that Turkish youth, researchers and industrialists have in our space vision. Turkey plays a playmaker and unifying role in space diplomacy. This torch we will light in Antalya will be for all, from our astronauts to our engineers, from our entrepreneurs to our children, who are the space explorers of the future." "The heart of global space governance, new generation technologies and deep space research will beat in Türkiye for 5 days. We will once again show the world our determination to make Turkey's Century the 'Century of Space' by introducing our country's production power, high technology capabilities and civilization heritage to the whole world."
Türkiye IS AT THE SUMMIT IN PARTICIPATION
Kacır pointed out that the official participation data announced before the congress revealed that global interest had reached a record level, and stated that as of October 1, a total of 6 thousand 893 delegates and participants from 108 countries had registered for the congress, and that the host country, Türkiye, with 955 delegates in the applications, was in the first place in the list of countries with the most participants, followed by the USA, Germany, Italy and Japan, respectively.
PRESIDENT ERDOĞAN WILL MAKE THE OPENING SPEECH
Kacır, who also gave information about the opening of the event, said:
"IAC 2026, which will be officially opened on Monday, October 5, with the presence of President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, will host many strategic events where critical topics in the field of space will be discussed and bring together space professionals from around the world until October 9. The giant summit will end with the 'Public Day' events that will bring together all segments of society with space science and technologies on Friday, October 9."
What to Watch
AI outlook — possibilities, not facts
IAC 2026 congress will start on October 5 with the opening speech of President Erdoğan.
Very likely · Within days
Open Questions
- Which international agreements will be signed at the congress?
- What will be the details of the People's Day events?
