Türkiye is gearing up to welcome the global space community to the 77th International Astronautical Congress (IAC 2026), taking place from Oct. 5-9 at the NEST Congress Center in Antalya.

The event will be held under overreaching, peace-centered theme: "The World Needs More Space."

Organized annually by the International Astronautical Federation (IAF), coordinated by the Industry and Technology Ministry, hosted by the Turkish Space Agency (TUA), and co-hosted by SAHA Istanbul, IAC 2026 is officially breaking all historical submission records, cementing Türkiye’s pivotal role in global space diplomacy and academic research.

Marking an important milestone in the history of the International Astronautical Congress, IAC 2026 has officially received more than 8,330 abstract submissions from 108 nations.

Visitors walk past exhibitor booths during the 75th International Astronautical Congress and exhibition show, IAC 2024, Milan, Italy, Oct. 16, 2024. (Shutterstock Photo)

Demonstrating massive international engagement, over 10,000 delegates, heads of space agencies, aerospace executives, world-renowned scientists, and astronauts are expected to convene in Antalya, the organizers said.

Reflecting a nationwide academic mobilization across 10 major Turkish universities, host nation Türkiye leads the global submission charts with 753 accepted abstracts. It is followed by China at 322, Azerbaijan with 317, the United States with 228 and Italy at 220, respectively.

To officially present the congress vision to the international diplomatic core, an exclusive IAC 2026 Ambassadors' Reception was hosted by Industry and Technology Minister Mehmet Fatih Kacır at the historic Ankara Ethnography Museum.

The diplomatic gathering brought together foreign ambassadors, heads of international missions, space agency representatives, and senior Turkish officials. 

Addressing the diplomatic community, the minister said that IAC 2026 in Antalya "will serve as an extraordinary global platform to unite nations around the peaceful, safe, and sustainable use of outer space."

"Under our National Space Program, Türkiye is committed to broadening access to space for all nations, encouraging young researchers, and building lasting international scientific partnerships," he noted.

Under the official overarching theme "The World Needs More Space," IAC 2026 advocates not only for the expansion of space exploration and technology but also for creating more opportunities and inclusion for women, youth, emerging space nations, and sustainable global development. 

Symbolizing this commitment to sustainability and planetary protection, the congress officially unveiled its mascot, "Turquoise," inspired by the Caretta caretta sea turtles native to Antalya's Mediterranean shores.

Carrying the inspirational motto "From the Turquoise to the Stars," the mascot highlights the critical connection between ocean conservation, climate tracking via satellite observation, and orbital debris remediation. 

IAC 2026 will feature an extensive five-day global agenda, hosting a multitude of events, panels, and networking opportunities.

The comprehensive schedule includes the Heads of Agencies Plenary, where top leadership from NASA, ESA, JAXA, CNSA, ISRO, and TUA will discuss the future of deep space exploration, lunar missions, and commercial space stations.

Additionally, the congress is also set to host the IAF International Meeting for Ministers and Members of Parliament (MMOP), serving as a high-level legislative roundtable on space governance, law, and international policy. 

Alongside these premier summits, the event will serve as a global stage for many other significant gatherings.

The Global Networking Forum (GNF) and Industry Exhibition, organized in collaboration with SAHA Istanbul, will showcase commercial innovations, public-private partnerships, and cutting-edge technology from aerospace giants and startups.

Furthermore, IAC 2026 places a strong emphasis on the future with Next Generation and STEM initiatives, including the Space Generation Congress (SGC), UN/IAF Workshops, and specialized educational programs empowering future space leaders.

Beyond science and technology, attendees will also experience the "Anadoludakiler" Culture and Craftsmanship Exhibition, highlighting Anatolia’s millennia-old sustainable production culture, traditional crafts, and local heritage under the auspices of the first lady, Emine Erdoğan.