EVENT SCHEDULE

DAY 1 (13/12/2025)

Start Time End Time Activity Notes
08:00 09:00 Registration

–
09:00 09:40 Welcome Speeches
  • Prof. Ahmet Yozgatligil, Rector of METU,
  • Emira & Merve, 3rd ME-SGW Event Managers,
  • Beste & Nisanur, NPoC Turkey,
  • Nikol, Exec. Director, SGAC
09:40 09:50 Keynote: Space Law Nebile Pelin Mantı, Istanbul University
09:50 10:40 Panel: Space Entrepreneurship BluDot, Aramco, ART, TUA
10:40 11:10 Coffee Break and Networking (Bonus: student project pitching)
11:10 13:00 Working Group Time All WGs
13:00 14:00 Lunch –
14:00 14:10 Keynote speeches
  • Farhi Kasli, Star Teknik;
  • Melek Yigit, Tera Portföy
14:10 14:20

Keynote speech

 Elif Yüksel
14:20 14:30 Keynote speech Meliha Ulamis
14:30 15:00 Panel Discussion
  • Dr. Firas Jarrar
  • Prof. Dr. Alim Rüstem Aslan
15:00 15:30 Coffee Break and Networking –
15:30 17:00 Working Group Time All WGs
17:00 17:45 Speed Mentoring Opening speech by Akkodis
17:45 18:15 Group Photo –
19:00 – Dinner + Space Trivia Delegates cover their own expenses

Day 2 (14/12/2025)

Start Time End Time Activity Notes
08:00 09:00 Registration –
09:00 09:10 Opening Speech / Keynote SARsatX
09:10 10:00 Panel: Lunar Exploration
  • Burak Yağlıoğlu (TÜBITAK),
  • Ersin Söken (METU),
  • Ahmed Baraka (Astroaid Foundation),
  • Elif Yüksel (Astroaid Foundation),
  • Hadi Mahmoudi (SBU)
10:00  10:10 Keynote speech Dr. Hadi Mahmoudi
10:10 10:30

Keynote speech

 Astronaut
10:30 10:50 Coffee Break and Networking –

10:50

 12:00 Working Group Time

All WGs
12:00 13:00 Lunch –
13:00 14:30 Working Group Presentations All WGs
14:30 15:00 Competition Result Declaration –
15:00 15:15 Award Ceremony Scholarship winners to be awarded
15:15 15:30 Closing Ceremony Vote of thanks by Emira, Merve, Beste, Nisanur, and Nikol

WORKING GROUPS (WGs)

As space becomes increasingly commercialized, entrepreneurial ventures are emerging as powerful drivers of innovation, investment, and new markets. Yet, transforming space entrepreneurship from vision to reality requires access to capital, supportive policies, skilled talent, and a clear understanding of risks and opportunities.

Goal: To explore the current landscape of space entrepreneurship in the Middle East, assess market readiness, and identify strategies that can enable sustainable space-driven startups and commercial initiatives.

Focus Questions:

  • What factors enable or limit the growth of space-related entrepreneurship in the region?
  • Which business models and innovation pathways are most viable for early-stage space ventures?
  • How can governments, investors, and industry collaborate to nurture a thriving NewSpace ecosystem?

The rapid expansion of space activities: commercial launches, satellite constellations, lunar missions, and resource utilization, demands stronger governance frameworks. Countries in the region must navigate international treaties while developing national legislation that ensures safety, equity, and compliance.

Goal: To examine the legal foundations of space activities and analyze emerging challenges posed by new technologies, commercial actors, and geopolitical dynamics.

Focus Questions:

  • What are the core principles of international space law, and how do they apply to modern space operations?
  • Which legal gaps or uncertainties are most relevant to emerging space nations?
  • How can regional collaboration support the development of harmonized space policies and national regulations?

Lunar exploration is entering a new era, with global powers and private companies preparing for sustained presence on the Moon. For emerging space nations, the Moon provides opportunities in technology development, scientific research, and international partnerships.

Goal: To explore the scientific, commercial, and strategic significance of lunar missions and assess how the region can participate in future Moon exploration initiatives.

Focus Questions:

  • What technologies, capabilities, and collaborations are essential for participating in lunar missions?
  • How can the region contribute to lunar science, resource utilization, or technology development?
  • What role can regional universities, research centers, and private companies play in preparing for the lunar economy?

As space technologies become increasingly integrated into daily life, their role in addressing humanitarian challenges has grown more significant. From disaster response and climate monitoring to connectivity, food security, and public safety, space-based solutions have the potential to support vulnerable communities and strengthen regional resilience. However, unlocking this potential requires forward-thinking policies, coordinated frameworks, and collaboration between governments, industry, and humanitarian actors.

Goal: To examine how space policy in the Middle East can be shaped to effectively support humanitarian needs, promote responsible space activities, and bridge capability gaps across the region. This working group will explore policy mechanisms, coordination models, and technological priorities that enable space-based contributions to societal welfare.

 

Focus Questions:

  • How can regional and national space policies be designed to better integrate humanitarian priorities such as disaster management, climate resilience, and remote-area support?
  • What types of partnerships (governmental, academic, commercial, or NGO-based) are essential to ensure that space assets are used responsibly and equitably for humanitarian impact?
  • Which policy frameworks or guidelines can enhance data sharing, emergency coordination, and capacity building among Middle Eastern nations?

CubeSats have revolutionized access to space by providing affordable, modular, and scalable platforms for research, education, and commercial missions. For emerging space nations, CubeSats represent an entry point into space capability development.

Goal: To assess how CubeSats can be leveraged for scientific experimentation, technology demonstration, capacity building, and regional collaboration.

Focus Questions:

  • What are the core technical, financial, and policy considerations in CubeSat development?
  • How can universities and startups in the region collaborate on CubeSat missions?
  • What best practices ensure mission success, sustainability, and long-term program growth?

Space science communication bridges the gap between scientific communities and the public, transforming complex knowledge into accessible, engaging narratives. Effective communication builds awareness, fosters inspiration, and cultivates the next generation of space leaders.

Goal: To develop strategies and tools that strengthen public engagement, improve outreach, and promote accurate, compelling communication about space activities in the Middle East.

Focus Questions:

  • What communication methods best translate scientific concepts into public understanding and excitement?
  • How can social media, storytelling, and creative media amplify space education and outreach?
  • What regional challenges exist in science communication, and how can they be addressed through policy, training, and collaboration?

NOTES ON WGs

  •  Each group will have Subject Matter Experts from each sponsoring organisation, one SGAC moderator, and two Delegate Rapporteurs, who will record the discussion points.
  •  All delegates are expected to participate in the discussion. Be respectful of others’ desire to speak, especially with the tight time limit of discussions, and limit each comment to no more than one minute.
  •  Enjoy, and be bold in your vision of the role and potential of space!