The accords, established in 2020 by NASA, the US 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 artefacts.
Türkiye’s signing comes amid growing activity in the country’s space programme. In 2024, Alper Gezeravci became Türkiye’s first astronaut, travelling 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 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.
Turkish foreign ministry added that the congress will also provide an important platform for further advancing this shared vision.
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