Türkiye's state satellite operator TÜRKSAT signed a wide-ranging cooperation protocol with China Satcom on October 8 during the 77th International Astronautical Congress (IAC 2026), which is being held in the Mediterranean city of Antalya.
The agreement covers joint research and development, product development and commercialisation of space technologies. It was signed at a ceremony at TÜRKSAT's stand at the Antalya NEST Congress Centre by Selman Demirel, TÜRKSAT's deputy general manager for satellite services, and China Satcom CEO Ma Haiquan.
Drone communications and remote connectivity
The two companies began working together last year on capacity sharing, and broadened the partnership following decisions taken at World Space Business Week in Paris.
Under the new protocol, they plan to develop communication systems for unmanned aerial vehicles, satellite-based Internet of Things (IoT) technologies and smart border security solutions. They will also design hardware allowing equipment in the energy, agriculture and logistics sectors to be operated via satellite in remote locations without mobile network coverage.
Turkish and Chinese engineers are to work side by side across the full cycle, from analysing market needs to building prototypes, testing, validation and commercialisation. A joint steering committee, with equal representation from both sides, will oversee the work and review progress every three months.
TÜRKSAT has said it aims to become one of the leading technology suppliers in the global satellite ecosystem. The company operates Türkiye's communications satellites, including Türksat 6A, the country's first domestically developed communications satellite, launched in 2024.
Türkiye hosts global space gathering
IAC 2026 is organised by the International Astronautical Federation and hosted by the Turkish Space Agency (TUA) and SAHA Istanbul, a defence and aerospace industry cluster, under the coordination of the Ministry of Industry and Technology. Turkish companies have used the event to display products and sign agreements with international partners.
Hosting the congress, one of the largest annual gatherings of the global space industry, is a showcase for Türkiye's growing space ambitions. During the event, Middle East Technical University (METU) presented plans for a homegrown lunar micro-rover targeted for launch in 2030, while astronauts attending the congress emphasised the peaceful use of space and international cooperation.
Türkiye launched its National Space Programme in 2021, and Turkish astronaut Alper Gezeravcı flew to the International Space Station in January 2024.
Sources
Photo: U.S. Space Force photo by Senior Airman Dalton Williams / Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons
