Türkiye (Turkey) has officially joined the US-led Artemis Accords, becoming the 71st country to sign the framework for responsible space exploration.
The move strengthens Türkiye’s expanding space programme and adds another country to the international effort to establish common principles for the safe, transparent and peaceful exploration of the Moon, Mars and beyond.
What Are Artemis Accords?
The Artemis Accords were launched in 2020 by NASA and the US Department of State. They provide a set of non-binding principles for responsible activities in outer space. The framework is based on the 1967 Outer Space Treaty, which forms a key foundation of international space law.
Countries joining the Accords agree to several principles, including:
- Sharing scientific data to promote cooperation and transparency.
- Providing assistance to astronauts during emergencies.
- Making space systems interoperable wherever possible, helping different countries and missions work together.
- Preserving historically significant sites and objects on the Moon and other celestial bodies.
The Accords are intended to encourage international cooperation while ensuring that future exploration and use of space remains peaceful and responsible.
Türkiye’s Growing Space Ambitions
Türkiye has been expanding its capabilities and ambitions in the global space sector. A major milestone came in 2024, when Alper Gezeravcı became the first Turkish citizen to travel to space. He travelled to the International Space Station (ISS) aboard a SpaceX Dragon spacecraft and carried out several scientific experiments during his mission.
Türkiye is also developing its first uncrewed lunar mission, called AYAP-1. The programme aims to send a spacecraft to the Moon, with plans involving lunar-orbit operations and a soft landing.
Adding to its growing international role in space, Türkiye is scheduled to host the International Astronautical Congress in Antalya later this year. The event is expected to bring together space agencies, private companies and researchers from around the world.
Türkiye and West Asian Artemis Group
Türkiye becomes the seventh West Asian country to join the Artemis Accords.
It follows:
- United Arab Emirates (UAE)
- Saudi Arabia
- Bahrain
- Oman
- Jordan
- Israel
Türkiye’s entry further expands the Accords’ presence in West Asia and reflects efforts by the US and its partners to develop common standards for an increasingly active space sector.
Artemis Programme: Long-Term Objective
The broader Artemis programme seeks to establish a long-term human presence on the Moon. It is also intended to develop technologies, operational experience and capabilities that can eventually support crewed missions to Mars.
Therefore, Türkiye’s participation is significant not only for its own space ambitions but also for the expansion of international cooperation around future lunar and deep-space exploration