The 77th International Astronautical Congress (IAC 2026) to Unite Global Space Community in Antalya, Türkiye
The International Astronautical Congress (IAC) is set to take place in Antalya, Türkiye from 5 - 9 October 2026, marking the first time in history that the event will be hosted in Türkiye.
The International Astronautical Congress (IAC) has been the annual moment when the global space community comes together for over 75 years. It is where astronauts meet students, ministers meet entrepreneurs, engineers exchange ideas with industry leaders, heads of space agencies debate the future of exploration, and young professionals find themselves standing next to the people who inspired them to pursue a career in space.
The IAC: A Celebration of Humanity's Greatest Adventure
Often described as the “Olympics of Space”, the IAC is far more than a congress. It is the annual celebration of humanity’s greatest adventure. It is where the world’s space community reconnects, where lifelong collaborations begin, where contracts are signed, and where the next chapter of space exploration is written.
The Largest Technical Programme in IAC History
Under the theme “The World Needs More Space”, IAC 2026 will present one of the largest Technical Programme ever assembled in the history of the Congress. With a record-breaking 8325 abstract submissions from a record of 108 countries, this year’s results set a new benchmark of 4077 accepted abstracts and 542 strong back-ups.
| Abstract Submissions | Accepted Abstracts | Countries |
|---|---|---|
| 8325 | 4077 | 108 |
| --- | --- | --- |
| 542 | - | - |
All accepted presenters have been matched across a record-breaking 204 technical sessions, plus daily large-scale Interactive Presentations Sessions. The Congress will convene the IAF flagship high-level events, including the IAF International Meeting for Ministers and Members of Parliaments (MMoP) and the IAF Global Space Leaders Summit (GSLS). These exclusive gatherings will bring together ministers, heads of space agencies, and global decision-makers to discuss how space can help address Earth’s greatest challenges while shaping humanity’s future beyond our planet.
A Global Experience
The IAC is where the biggest names in the global space sector come together. Heads of the world’s leading space agencies, ministers, CEOs of major aerospace companies, pioneering entrepreneurs, renowned scientists, mission leaders, and more than 25 international astronauts gather under one roof - not behind closed doors, but as part of a truly open international community. You may find yourself asking a question during a technical session, exchanging ideas over coffee, attending an autograph session with an astronaut, or discussing the future of exploration with the very people leading the next lunar mission.
Join the Global Space Community in Antalya
The IAC is set to take place in Antalya, Türkiye from 5 - 9 October 2026, marking the first time in history that the event will be hosted in Türkiye. Known for its rich cultural heritage, warm hospitality, breathtaking Mediterranean coastline, and vibrant innovation ecosystem, Antalya will offer a unique backdrop to one of the world’s most prestigious space gatherings.
Source: SpaceNews