TUA partners with Axiom Space to strengthen Türkiye’s role in the global space economy, with a focus on youth engagement and technological progress.
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| Minister Mehmet Fatih Kacır, TUA President Yusuf Kıraç, and Axiom Space CRO Tejpaul Bhatia sign a cooperation agreement, Jan. 18, 2025. Image: AA via DS |
Ankara, Turkiye — January 19, 2025:
Türkiye's space industry took a significant step forward with the signing of a memorandum of understanding (MoU) between the Turkish Space Agency (TUA) and U.S.-based space infrastructure developer Axiom Space. Announced on Saturday by the Ministry of Industry and Technology, the agreement focuses on enhancing Türkiye's space capabilities through collaborations in various fields, including space technology, aviation, textiles, material science, advanced manufacturing, communications, and life sciences.
The memorandum emphasizes the importance of involving Türkiye's youth in space activities, aiming to inspire future astronauts, engineers, and scientists while fostering innovation across industries. The cooperation will also support the sustainability of Türkiye's growing space sector.
Key goals outlined in the agreement include establishing research and exploration laboratories, creating manufacturing facilities in microgravity, testing materials for deep space missions, developing low-Earth orbit transportation and logistics hubs, and building new communication and observation platforms. The partnership will also offer training opportunities for professional astronauts.
Industry and Technology Minister Mehmet Fatih Kacır described the agreement as a milestone for Türkiye's space sector. He noted that the projects under the MoU would position Türkiye to secure a larger share of the global space economy, projected to reach $1 trillion annually.
TUA President Yusuf Kıraç added that the collaboration would empower the next generation of space leaders by providing youth with unprecedented opportunities to explore space. Axiom Space Chief Revenue Officer Tejpaul Bhatia celebrated Türkiye's progress, particularly its successful Ax-3 mission, and highlighted the role of Turkish suppliers in the global space supply chain.
As the International Space Station (ISS) nears the end of its operational life in 2030, the collaboration between Türkiye and Axiom Space is set to play a key role in ensuring the continuity of space research and activities.