SCIENCE · VERIFIED DEVELOPMENT
Türkiye Joins Artemis Accords, Expands Lunar Collaboration
WHY IT MATTERS
Türkiye’s accession gives it access to NASA’s Artemis program, enabling it to supply hardware and data for lunar missions and to shape international space policy through upcoming congress participation.
What happened
On August 31, 2026, the Republic of Türkiye became the 71st country to sign NASA’s Artemis Accords at the agency’s Washington headquarters. Turkish officials Mehmet Fatih Kacır and Yusuf Kıraç signed the agreement, which outlines principles for peaceful, transparent exploration of the Moon and beyond.
The accord invites signatories to contribute hardware, scientific payloads, and other capabilities to future Artemis missions. Türkiye has already sent astronauts to the International Space Station in 2024 and plans to launch its first lunar mission, AYAP‑1, later this year.
The country will also host the International Astronautical Congress in Antalya in October, where many Accords signatories are expected to convene.
PRIMARY SOURCES
NASA Welcomes Türkiye as Newest Artemis Accords Signatory
NASA · Elizabeth Shaw · NASA media usage guidelines; third-party material excluded