Trkiye: Trkiye has joined NASA's Artemis Accords, becoming the 71st country to sign an international framework aimed at promoting peaceful, transparent, and cooperative exploration of the Moon, Mars, and beyond.

According to Anadolu Agency, Turkish Industry and Technology Minister Mehmet Fatih Kacir signed the accords on behalf of Trkiye during a Monday ceremony at NASA headquarters in Washington, hosted by NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman. 'It is my privilege to welcome the Republic of Trkiye as the 71st signatory of the Artemis Accords,' Isaacman said, as highlighted in a NASA statement underscoring Trkiye's increasing role in space exploration.

The Turkish Foreign Ministry issued an official statement on Tuesday, affirming Trkiye's commitment to supporting international cooperation in the peaceful exploration and use of outer space. The ministry emphasized the country's intention to contribute to efforts in space technologies and exploration through an inclusive and innovative approach grounded in international law.

The accords, established in 2020 by NASA, the US State Department, and seven founding countries, set principles for international cooperation in space. These principles include peaceful exploration, sharing scientific data, providing assistance when needed, and protecting historically significant sites and artifacts.

Trkiye's signing occurs amid the country's expanding space program. Notably, in 2024, Alper Gezeravci became Trkiye's first astronaut, traveling to the International Space Station and collaborating on scientific research with NASA astronauts. Tuva Atasever subsequently flew on Virgin Galactic's VSS Unity as part of the Virgin Galactic 07 mission.

Furthermore, Trkiye is preparing to launch its first lunar mission, AYAP-1, joining the growing group of countries developing and launching their own satellites to the Moon.

The signing of the accords comes ahead of the International Astronautical Congress, which Trkiye will host in Antalya in October. The event is expected to gather numerous Artemis Accords signatories to discuss the future of peaceful and transparent space exploration. The Turkish Foreign Ministry noted that the congress will also serve as a significant platform for advancing this shared vision.