SGAC Türkiye
National Points of Contact Türkiye
Welcome to the country page of SGAC in Türkiye! Our mission is to connect, inform, and inspire students and young professionals, fostering the next generation of space leaders in Turkey.
Türkiye has been actively advancing its space capabilities, focusing on satellite technologies, rocket science, and space exploration. The Turkish Space Agency (TUA), established in 2018, leads these efforts, aiming to enhance national space policy and represent Turkey in international space and aeronautics organizations. In 2021, Turkey unveiled its National Space Program, outlining a 10-year strategic plan with objectives such as lunar exploration, developing indigenous satellite technologies, and establishing a regional positioning and timing system. As the first part of the National Program, Turkey sent its first astronaut, Alper Gezeravcı to the ISS. Gezeravcı conducted 13 scientific experiments prepared by Turkish scientists and academics, making a milestone in Turkish space history.
Within SGAC, Türkiye is at the beginning of its journey, with newly appointed National Points of Contact (NPoCs) working to build a vibrant presence in the SGAC community. They are actively planning to organize events and initiatives aimed at connecting the Turkish space ecosystem with SGAC’s global network. These efforts aim to foster collaboration, inspire young professionals and students, and increase Türkiye’s engagement in international space discussions and activities.
We encourage you to connect with us, share your ideas, and engage with Türkiye’s vibrant space community. For more information or to get involved, please contact us at [email protected] and [email protected].
Join the SGAC Türkiye WhatsApp Community!
Click here to be part of our chat and stay up-to-date with SGAC opportunities and the space community in Turkey.
Webinars organized by SGAC Türkiye
SGAC Türkiye has successfully organized two engaging webinars to connect young professionals with experts and opportunities in the space sector — and there’s more to come! Please note, these webinars were held in Turkish.
1. Exploring Turkey’s Lunar Missions & SGAC Opportunities
The first webinar featured two insightful sessions:
- “Turkey’s Lunar Missions” presented by Dr. Burak Yağlıoğlu from TÜBİTAK UZAY, providing an overview of Turkey’s plans and developments in lunar exploration.
- A panel with SGAC National Points of Contact (NPoCs) discussing scholarship programs and project group opportunities available within SGAC, helping participants navigate how to get involved and advance their careers.
2. Legal Frontiers in Space: A Conversation on Space Law with SGAC Türkiye
SGAC Türkiye also hosted a webinar featuring Anıl Akyol, a leading expert in space law. The session delved into the evolving landscape of space law, covering topics such as international treaties, liability issues, and the governance of space activities. Participants gained valuable insights into the legal frameworks shaping the future of space exploration.
Upcoming Webinars
Stay tuned for our third webinar, which will continue to provide valuable insights and opportunities in the space sector. Follow our channels for announcements and registration details!
Young Space Activities Overview in Turkey
The space community in Turkey is rapidly growing, and SGAC is excited to expand its activities to engage young professionals and students in the region. With the recent appointment of National Points of Contact (NPoCs) in Turkey, the groundwork is being laid for a vibrant calendar of events and activities aimed at fostering collaboration within the Turkish space ecosystem.
The first in-person SGAC event in Turkey is currently being planned and will take place in Ankara in November 2025: Middle Eastern Space Generation Workshop (ME-SGW). A dedicated team is formed from local SGAC members to help organize this milestone event. More information can be found in here: ME-SGW 2025 in Ankara.
On a more regular basis, the Turkish NPoCs aim to organize further informal gatherings, workshops, and webinars to build a strong community of space enthusiasts across the country. These activities will provide opportunities for networking, collaboration, and discussions on space-related topics relevant to Turkey and the global space community. Those interested in contributing to the planning and execution of these are encouraged to get in touch with the NPoCs to be a part of the organizing this.
Looking ahead, plans are in place to partner with academic institutions, industry leaders, and public-sector organizations to further support SGAC members in Turkey. These partnerships will aim to provide access to facilities, mentorship programs, and educational resources, fostering the professional growth of Turkish SGAC members.
If you are interested in supporting the organization of events, joining informal gatherings, or contributing ideas for the development of SGAC in Turkey, please reach out to the NPoCs. Together, we can grow a thriving young space community in Turkey!
