IAC 2026

Dear Colleagues,

As the Head of the Turkish Space Agency (TUA), and President of SAHA İstanbul Aerospace Cluster, we are proud to invite you to the 77th International Astronautical Congress, IAC, which will take place in Antalya in October 2026.

As the premier event for the global space industry, the International Astronautical Congress (IAC) brings together leading space stakeholders from around the world and serves as an ideal platform to bring together everyone related space industry.

Our space adventure has a centuries-long history. We have been entrusted with a significant legacy in terms of our physical environment. Our passion for the study of the heavens guided us in the establishment of our inaugural observatory. Today, a significant proportion of our satellite infrastructure, encompassing both communication and defence satellites, is operational in space, thereby influencing Türkiye's future trajectory.

IAC 2026 is an essential event for the international space community, and we are thrilled to welcome over 10,000 participants to Antalya, the capital of tourism. Türkiye, having established its National Space Program with the vision of becoming a significant space nation in the international arena and a key regional space industry player, offers a unique opportunity to access an emerging market, showcase your brand, and raise awareness. We also believe that this important and high-profile event will serve as a significant milestone for the National Space Program being pursued by our country, as well as for raising awareness of the evolving space ecosystem that is developing in parallel.

Let’s be part of this outstanding event in Türkiye!

At IAC 2026, attendees and exhibitors will explore the latest developments in the space industry and experience the renowned Turkish hospitality amidst the breathtaking beauty of Antalya.

On behalf of the host, the Turkish Space Agency, and co-host, SAHA Istanbul Aerospace Cluster, we are delighted to extend an invitation to you to take place in this exceptional event and have unforgettable memories at IAC 2026. We believe that IAC 2026 will be one of the keystones in the IACs history and one of the most remembered one in the space community's memory. Moreover, this event will create unique opportunities to build strong collaborations and networks.

We look forward to your valued support to make the next year’s space celebrations in Antalya truly unforgettable!

Yusuf Kıraç

President
Turkish Space Agency

Haluk Bayraktar

President
SAHA İstanbul Aerospace Cluster

Our Motto

The World Needs More Space.

As we stand on the brink of a new era in space exploration, Türkiye is proud to host the 77th International Astronautical Congress (IAC 2026). This prestigious event will bring together global leaders, visionaries, scientists, and industry pioneers under the powerful theme: “The World Needs More Space.”

In an age where the exploration and utilization of outer space are more crucial than ever, our motto emphasizes the imperative of maintaining a secure, accessible, and collaborative environment in the cosmos. The congress will serve as a platform to highlight the importance of space as a shared resource that must be preserved for peaceful use, fostering international cooperation across all nations, regardless of their developmental status.

The core focus of “The World Needs More Space” is to advocate for the sustainable and equitable exploration of space. As more countries and diverse stakeholders join the global space economy, it is essential to ensure that space remains an open frontier for all. The IAC 2026 will address pressing issues surrounding space security, exploration, and the ethical implications of our activities beyond Earth.

We aim to inspire a dialogue that transcends borders, encouraging innovative solutions that harness the benefits of space exploration while safeguarding it for future generations. The congress will feature engaging discussions, groundbreaking presentations, and collaborative workshops that seek to unite our shared aspirations for the future of space.

Join us in this pivotal moment as we explore the vast potential of the cosmos and reaffirm our commitment to a space environment that is secure, sustainable, and open to exploration. Together, let us cultivate a spirit of cooperation and inclusivity that recognizes the importance of every nation’s contribution to our shared destiny among the stars.

The IAC 2026 promises to be an unforgettable gathering that will shape the future of space exploration and utilization. We invite you to be a part of this remarkable event and contribute to the dialogue on how we can collectively ensure that the cosmos remains a realm of opportunity, inspiration, and unity for generations to come.

🚀 Save the Date: IAC 2026 in Türkiye — Where the Future of Space Begins!

WHY ANTALYA?

The 5th largest city
of Türkiye

Antalya, the 5th largest city of Türkiye and world-renowned touristic destination which hosts more than 16,5 million foreign guests, and the city in top 5 most visited cities around the world annually, is ready to host the IAC. Antalya promises the best infrastructure, world-class service, precious historic landmarks and natural beauties to distinguished Space Community in 2026.

Türkiye is making steady advancements in space technologies and industry, showcasing an increasing interest in the sector and setting ambitious yet attainable goals through its national space initiatives. As the public and private sectors alike prioritize this field, Türkiye is positioning itself to play a leading role within the region.

Go to Destination

This upward trajectory is further supported by the country’s strategic geographical and demographic strengths, coupled with the growing enthusiasm of its youth for space-related activities. Demonstrating the industry’s vibrancy, the SAHA Istanbul Cluster alone encompasses more than 1,250 companies, 26 universities, and 11 R&D organizations, reflecting the sector’s depth and impact within the country.

Moreover, as of 2023, 17 universities—including one in Antalya—significantly contribute to this field through specialized departments in Space Sciences, Astronomy, and Aerospace Engineering. Beyond academic efforts, the industry also benefits from the Teknofest Aviation, Space, and Technology Festival, which attracts nearly 3 million visitors annually and hosts over 40 distinct technology competitions. With an average age of 33, Türkiye boasts substantial potential among countries active in space exploration.

Venue

The 77th IAC International Astronautical Congress will be organized at NEST Convention Centre, one of the largest conference facilities in Türkiye.

It can accommodate up to 20,000 participants in fully equipped conference rooms with permanent control booths.

NEST Convention Center is located in the heart of the 5-star hotels region, where national and international meetings and congresses are hosted every year.

There are many hotels with more than 12,000 bed capacity in the walking distance of NEST, and 38 hotels with bed capacity of 36,000 within 5 km.

A District Full of Opportunities

Situated in the heart of Belek, Antalya’s premier holiday and event destination, the NEST Convention Center is ready to offer attendees an unparalleled IAC experience. Surrounded by high-end luxury hotels, world-class golf courses, blue-flagged beaches, and attractive recreational and entertainment areas, it promises to make the event truly unforgettable.