Türkiye has on Monday officially joined NASA's Artemis Accords, becoming the 71st country to sign an international framework aimed at promoting peaceful, transparent and cooperative exploration of the moon, Mars and beyond.
Industry and Technology Minister Mehmet Fatih Kacır signed the accords on behalf of Türkiye during a ceremony at NASA headquarters in Washington, hosted by NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman.
"It is my privilege to welcome the Republic of Türkiye as the 71st signatory of the Artemis Accords," Isaacman said, according to a NASA statement highlighting Türkiye’s growing role in space exploration.
The accords, established in 2020 by NASA, the U.S. State Department and seven founding countries, set principles for international cooperation in space, including peaceful exploration, sharing scientific data, providing assistance when needed, and protecting historically significant sites and artifacts.
Türkiye’s signing comes amid growing activity in the country’s space program.
In 2024, Alper Gezeravcı became Türkiye’s first astronaut, traveling to the International Space Station and doing scientific research with NASA astronauts. Tuva Atasever later flew on Virgin Galactic’s VSS Unity as part of the Virgin Galactic 07 mission.
Türkiye is also preparing to launch its first lunar mission, AYAP-1, joining the small but growing group of countries building and launching their own satellites to the moon.
The signing precedes the International Astronautical Congress, which Türkiye will host in the southern city of Antalya in October.
The event is expected to bring together dozens of Artemis Accords signatories to discuss the future of peaceful and transparent space exploration.
"Thank you, NASA! Türkiye remains committed to taking steps to enhance international space cooperation for peaceful purposes," Kacır said in a statement on X on Tuesday.
"Under the visionary leadership of President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, our National Space Program will continue to deliver outcomes for the common good of humanity," he added.
"The collaboration between TUA and NASA plays a pivotal role in strengthening the scope of global scientific research," the minister said, referring to the Turkish Space Agency (TUA).
