The Scientific and Technological Research Council of Türkiye (TÜBİTAK) participated in the 74th International Space Congress (IAC 2023) held in Baku and came together with the world's leading institutions in the field of space technologies and systems. The congress was also an important step in the international recognition of Türkiye's achievements in the field of space.
Türkiye was represented at IAC 2023 by the Minister of Industry and Technology Mehmet Fatih Kacır; the President of TUA Serdar Hüseyin Yıldırım; the Chairman of the Board of Trustees of T3 Foundation Selçuk Bayraktar; representatives of participating institutions and the first Turkish space travellers Alper Gezeravcı and Tuva Cihangir Atasever. In addition, 500 students competed with their projects at TEKNOFEST took part in the congress.
In the event where Turkish Space Agency (TUA) was a platinum sponsor, research institutes of TÜBİTAK, namely TÜBİTAK UZAY, BİLGEM, MAM, SAGE and UME demonstrated their technologies in the field of aerospace. TÜBİTAK's stand attracted great interest from international participants through exhibitions and presentations.
Spacecraft that will make a hard landing on the moon was exhibited for the first time
The spacecraft, which was developed by TÜBİTAK UZAY within the scope of the Lunar Research Programme Project (AYAP), whose design and production processes are still ongoing, made its first appearance at the congress.
President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev at TÜBİTAK Stand
On the first day of the exhibition, the President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev visited IAC 2023 with a delegation including the Minister of Industry and Technology of Türkiye Mehmet Fatih Kacır. The President of Azerbaijan visited the stands of the organisations from Türkiye and wished success to the Turkish participants.
Aliyev also said that he was honoured to host such a big organisation.
Strong interest in the TÜBİTAK Stand
At the TÜBİTAK stand, BİLGEM's National Combat Aircraft (KAAN) Project Mission Computer Mock-Up Device MMU IPU, encrypted USB device SIR - 2, "Identification Friend or Foe System IFF, AGC-T and AGC-G products, which enable tactical field IP networks in different locations to communicate securely over insecure networks, were exhibited.
Marmara Research Centre (MAM) exhibited Carbon/Ceramic matrix Nozzle, Metal Foam, Space Qualified Solar Panel and Gas Turbine Blade.
TÜBİTAK Defence Industry Research and Development Institute (SAGE) took its place at the stand with its Detonation Engine, Explorer, Thermal Battery and Optical products.
TÜBİTAK National Metrology Institute (UME) exhibited Rubidium Based Atomic Clock, Fluxgate Magnetometer and Magnetic Torque Bar.
TÜBİTAK Space Technologies Research Institute (UZAY) exhibited TÜRKSAT 6A - Medium Scale Satellite Model, İMECE Satellite Model, GPS Receiver Antenna and Steerable Antenna Equipment produced for İMECE.
Interviews were held with NASA, JAXA and various institutions
Various presentations, events and promotional programmes were held at the TÜBİTAK stand throughout the congress.
Project managers Dr. Burak Yağlıoğlu and Dr. Ömer Ataş presented and explained the "Lunar Research Programme Project" and "Turkish Astronaut and Science Mission". Projects of TÜBİTAK UZAY were received with great interest by the participants.
International space agencies, including the US National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) and the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA), also showed interest in the TÜBİTAK stand.
"We continue our work with the understanding of "Developing Together, Achieving Together"
President of TÜBİTAK Prof. Dr. Hasan Mandal, emphasised the importance of participating in the International Space Congress and said: "We are pleased to come together with the world's leading institutions with our technologies and systems in the field of space on the 100th anniversary of the foundation of our Republic and the 60th anniversary of TÜBİTAK. We are also excited to, for the first time, exhibit our spacecraft that is still under development by the TÜBİTAK UZAY Institute within the scope of the Lunar Research Programme Project. As TÜBİTAK, we have expanded our interest in aviation and space technologies. We had the opportunity to introduce some of the technologies developed by our centres and institutes here. We launched our first high-resolution observation satellite İMECE into space last April. We will also launch our first domestic and national communication satellite TÜRKSAT 6A into space. Participants have had the opportunity to examine these two satellites in detail at our stand. As we countdown to send our first Turkish space traveller to the International Space Station to perform his science mission, we brought our Turkish space travellers to this event."
Mandal, indicated that Türkiye has taken great strides in the field of space and aviation and said: "Our work continues at full speed. We are happy to have received the news that we will host the International Space Conference, the largest space conference in the world, in 2026 as Türkiye. We consider this as a proof that we are taking firm steps towards a fully independent Türkiye. We continue to achieve our goals in the field of science and technology with the understanding of "Developing Together, Achieving Together". We will continue our progress with the vision of becoming one of the leading countries in the field of space."
IAC 2024 will be held in Milan, Italy on 14-18 October 2024 with the participation of institutions and organisations working in the field of space.
08.11.2023