The move strengthens Turkey’s growing space programme and expands the international group supporting common principles for future space exploration.
What are the Artemis Accords?
Launched in 2020 by Nasa and the US Department of State, the Artemis Accords establish a set of non-binding principles for responsible activity in space.
He travelled to the International Space Station aboard a SpaceX Dragon spacecraft and conducted a series of scientific experiments during the mission.
AdvertisementTurkey joins growing West Asian groupTurkey is the seventh West Asian country to join the Artemis Accords, following the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Oman, Jordan and Israel.
Ankara joined the US-led framework for safe and transparent exploration of the Moon, Mars and deep space as it expands its own lunar and human spaceflight ambitions
Turkey has officially joined the US-led Artemis Accords, becoming the 71st country to sign the framework aimed at promoting safe, transparent and peaceful exploration of the Moon, Mars and beyond, as announced by US space agency Nasa.
Turkish Industry and Technology Minister Mehmet Fatih Kacır signed the agreement alongside US officials during a ceremony at Nasa headquarters in Washington.
The move strengthens Turkey’s growing space programme and expands the international group supporting common principles for future space exploration.
What are the Artemis Accords?
Launched in 2020 by Nasa and the US Department of State, the Artemis Accords establish a set of non-binding principles for responsible activity in space. The framework is based on the 1967 Outer Space Treaty.
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Countries that sign the accords commit to sharing scientific data, providing assistance to astronauts in emergencies and making their space systems interoperable where possible.
The agreement also promotes the preservation of sites and objects of historical significance on the Moon and other celestial bodies.
"Türkiye enters this era of space travel with incredible ambitions and capabilities," Kacır said during the ceremony.
"Our aim is to establish a sustainable presence in space and advance the peaceful use of space for the benefit of all humanity."
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Turkey expands its space ambitions
Turkey has stepped up its space activities in recent years, with Ankara seeking to develop its own capabilities and establish a stronger presence in the global space sector.
In 2024, Alper Gezeravcı became the first Turkish citizen to travel to space. He travelled to the International Space Station aboard a SpaceX Dragon spacecraft and conducted a series of scientific experiments during the mission.
Turkey is also developing its first uncrewed lunar mission, known as AYAP-1. The programme aims to send a spacecraft to the Moon, with plans involving lunar orbit operations and a soft landing.
The country is also due to host the International Astronautical Congress in Antalya later this year, bringing together space agencies, companies and researchers from around the world.
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Turkey joins growing West Asian group
Turkey is the seventh West Asian country to join the Artemis Accords, following the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Oman, Jordan and Israel.
The growing membership reflects efforts by the US and its partners to establish common standards for an increasingly active space sector.
The Artemis programme is designed to support a long-term human presence on the Moon and develop technologies and experience that could eventually support crewed missions to Mars.
