Antalya:Astronauts from various countries emphasized the significance of peaceful space exploration and international collaboration during the 77th International Astronautical Congress (IAC 2026) held in Antalya, a Mediterranean resort city in Türkiye.

According to Anadolu Agency, Türkiye's first astronaut, Alper Gezeravci, stated that space has traditionally been a realm of cooperation and peace and cautioned against its militarization. He conveyed a message from President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, urging nations to prevent space from becoming a battleground and to act responsibly for the future of humanity.

Turkish astronaut Tuva Cihangir Atasever pointed out the potential for scientific research in microgravity environments. Axiom Space Chief Astronaut Michael Lopez-Alegria emphasized the influence astronauts have in inspiring younger generations and advocating for planetary protection.

Japanese astronaut Naoko Yamazaki described the congress in Türkiye as a strong symbol of international cooperation, suggesting it could foster new opportunities in the space sector.

The congress is organized by the International Astronautical Federation (IAF) and co-hosted by the Turkish Space Agency and SAHA Istanbul, attracting astronauts, scientists, and industry representatives globally.