IAC 2026 will gather leading space industry experts from around the world in Antalya
Türkiye is strengthening its position on the international arena by hosting major global events. Antalya will become the main center of diplomacy and science in 2026. From October 5 to October 9, 2026, Belek will host the 77th International Astronautical Congress (IAC 2026), the planet's largest space forum.
Organized annually by the International Astronautical Federation (IAF), the congress brings together space agencies, technology giants, astronauts, and leading scientists to exchange knowledge and shape the future of the industry.
The organizers of IAC 2026 are the Turkish Space Agency (TUA) and the SAHA İstanbul aerospace cluster, under the coordination of the Ministry of Industry and Technology of Türkiye. The summit will take place at the NEST Exhibition Center in Belek.
The forum will gather more than 10,000 participants, including astronauts from various countries and representatives of major corporations. One of the highlights of the cultural program will be a gala dinner within the walls of the ancient Roman theater of Aspendos, connecting Türkiye's rich history with futuristic ideas of space exploration.
The technical program of the congress includes a visit to the campus of the National Observatory of Türkiye (TUG), one of the country's key research infrastructures in the field of astronomy.
Located on Bakırlıtepe Mountain at an altitude of about 2,500 meters, the observatory will welcome participants who will be able to familiarize themselves with telescope equipment and get information on astronomical research being conducted in Türkiye.
The motto of the 2026 congress is "The World Needs More Space." It calls for the sustainable, peaceful, and equitable exploration of outer space. The congress sessions will discuss issues of space security, technological development, and the ethical aspects of exploring the Universe.
The official mascot of IAC 2026 is a Caretta caretta sea turtle named Turquoise, named after the turquoise waters of Antalya. These turtles nest on the beaches of Belek, where the congress will take place. Overcoming thousands of kilometers in the ocean and always returning to its native shores, Turquoise symbolizes humanity's aspiration to discover new worlds and loyalty to its native home—Planet Earth.
On the final day of the congress, October 9, the global space community will gather in Aspendos for a gala event.
The organizers emphasize that "the past, present, and future" will meet in this place. The event, which will be held in the atmosphere of a thousand-year history, will be a bright finale of the congress program.
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