Sydney: Yusuf Kirac, president of the Turkish Space Agency (TUA), has been elected vice president of the International Astronautical Federation (IAF), the agency announced on Monday.

According to Anadolu Agency, the 76th International Astronautical Congress (IAC), the world's premier global space event, commenced in Sydney on Monday and is set to continue until October 3. The event marks a significant gathering for the international space community, bringing together experts, industry leaders, and innovators to discuss the future of space exploration and research.

The Turkish Space Agency shared on the local social media platform NSosyal that the IAC 2025 has begun, and they are actively participating by hosting the international space ecosystem at their stand with various companies and universities. This participation underscores Turkey's growing involvement in the global space industry and its commitment to fostering international collaboration.

Looking ahead, the IAC 2026 is scheduled to take place from October 5-9, 2026, in the Turkish resort city of Antalya. This upcoming event is expected to further enhance Turkey's role in the international space community and provide a platform for discussing advancements in space technology and exploration.

The theme for IAC Sydney 2025 is 'Sustainable Space: Resilient Earth,' focusing on essential discussions such as space-based applications for Earth, sustainable space activities, and sustaining life off the Earth. The congress aims to showcase the Asia Pacific region, inspire and engage the next generation's space workforce, involve a broad range of industries, and educate the community on the importance of space exploration through the IAC's open day, as highlighted on the IAF website.