Antalya:Türkiye's growing space ambitions, including plans for a mega-constellation and an independent spaceport in Somalia, were showcased at the 77th International Astronautical Congress (IAC).

According to Anadolu Agency, the congress, organized by the International Astronautical Federation (IAF) and held at the Antalya NEST Congress Center, featured discussions on the future of space exploration. The event, coordinated by Türkiye's Industry and Technology Ministry and co-hosted by the Turkish Space Agency and SAHA Istanbul, runs from Monday to Friday.

At the congress, Aselsan unveiled plans to launch the first satellite of its advanced Astralink (Gokbagi) low-Earth-orbit (LEO) constellation within two years. This is part of a larger 198-satellite communications network intended to serve Türkiye and its allies. Aselsan CEO Ahmet Akyol emphasized that the network would integrate over 1 million terrestrial user terminals and operate using domestic technology to ensure secure connectivity.

Arif Karabeyoglu of the Turkish Space Agency highlighted the importance of developing independent access to Earth's orbit, noting the significant increase in global launch capacity over the past decade. He discussed Türkiye's efforts to build a spaceport in Somalia, which will offer advantages like proximity to the equator and ideal launch conditions.

The congress also featured remarks from astronaut Michael Lopez-Alegria of Axiom Space, who praised Türkiye's achievements in spaceflight, including the Ax-3 mission that sent Türkiye's first astronaut into orbit. Hasan Huseyin Ertok from Fergani Space and Mehmet Nefes from Tubitak Space Institute also shared insights into the rapid development of the space and telecommunications sectors and Türkiye's ambitious lunar exploration program.