Minister of Industry and Technology Mehmet Fatih Kacir Thursday has affirmed Türkiye’s commitment to significant advancements in space technologies, saying, “We will initiate programs to enhance research at the International Space Station and strengthen R&D and production capacities in space technologies.”
The Central Eurasia Space Technologies Conference (STC-2024), hosted by the Turkish Space Agency, began at the JW Marriott Hotel in Ankara.
In a video message sent to the opening ceremony, Kacir emphasized the importance of bringing together space communities worldwide when the space sector is experiencing global growth and development.
Kacir underscored that this growth manifests in developing innovative civilian and commercial applications, continuously expanding the space economy, and integrating space-related technologies into society and the broader economy.
He pointed out that the space sector influences daily life and creates value across all sectors of the global economy, projecting that the space economy is expected to reach a market size of $1.8 trillion by 2035.
Minister Kacir emphasized Türkiye’s readiness to harness the boundless opportunities offered by space, thanks to its robust infrastructure developed over the past 22 years. He highlighted Türkiye’s capabilities in developing, testing, and producing its satellites and its significant achievements in satellite imaging with satellites like BILSAT, RASAT, GOKTURK and IMECE.
He announced that with the upcoming launch of the first national communication satellite, TURKSAT 6A, Türkiye will become one of the competent 11 countries in the field.
Furthermore, Kacir expressed Türkiye’s aspirations to go beyond success in satellite technologies, aiming to sustain its presence in space and utilize it for the benefit of all humanity.
He outlined the ambitious goals of the National Space Program, which sets a visionary roadmap for exploration and innovation over the next decade.
He highlighted Türkiye’s emergence as a significant player in the global space race and its commitment to exploration, innovation and progress.
Minister Kacir stressed the importance of equipping society with successful knowledge and skills in the space age and developing competent human resources in the space field. He noted TENKOFEST, the world’s largest aviation and technology festival held annually for the past seven years, as a prominent step in this direction, attracting more than 1.6 million participants this year.
In conclusion, Minister Kacir invited everyone to participate in the 2026 International Space Congress in Antalya, emphasizing its invaluable opportunity to foster international cooperation and showcase Türkiye’s advancements in space technology globally.
Source: AA
