Türkiye enters NASA’s Artemis Accords as 71st signatory

Türkiye officially joined NASA’s Artemis Accords on Monday, August 31, becoming the 71st country to sign the international framework governing cooperation in the peaceful, transparent and responsible 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, according to Turkish media.

“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, which highlighted Türkiye’s growing involvement in space exploration.

Established in 2020 by NASA, the U.S. State Department and seven founding countries, the Artemis Accords set out principles for international cooperation in space. They include peaceful exploration, the sharing of scientific data, assistance to astronauts in distress, and the protection of historically significant sites and artefacts.

Türkiye’s accession comes as Ankara expands its national space program. In 2024, Alper Gezeravcı became Türkiye’s first astronaut, travelling to the International Space Station and conducting scientific research alongside NASA astronauts. Tuva Atasever later flew aboard Virgin Galactic’s VSS Unity as part of the Virgin Galactic 07 mission.

Türkiye is also preparing its first lunar mission, AYAP-1, as part of efforts to develop and launch spacecraft and satellites for lunar exploration.

The signing comes ahead of 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,” Kacır said, referring to the Turkish Space Agency.

By Tamilla Hasanova