The SAHA Istanbul - National Space Industry Committee (MUEK) meeting, organized to discuss Türkiye's strategic goals in the space sector and to unite industry stakeholders, was hosted by TÜBİTAK UZAY on November 22, 2024.
Yusuf Kıraç, President of the Turkish Space Agency (TUA), delivered the opening speech at the meeting. Kıraç spoke about the steps to be taken within the framework of Türkiye's National Space Program, the contributions of industry companies through international collaborations, and emphasized the pivotal role of SAHA MUEK in achieving these objectives. He also highlighted the importance of public and private sector cooperation for Türkiye's national objectives in the space industry.
Representatives from leading institutions in the sector, including TUA, TÜBİTAK UZAY, SAHA Istanbul, Altınay Defence Technologies, Artı Industrial Electronics, Asartech, Aselsan, Aspilsan Energy, Bites Defence, Birikim Pilleri Battery Technologies, CTech, DeltaV Space Technologies, Fergani, Havelsan, Impro, KİM Technology, Meteksan Defence, Novart Space Technologies, Poloptech, Profen, Qubitrium, SDT Space and Defence Technologies, Serenay Group, Simsoft, Teknokar Defence and Aerospace, THK University, Tulpar Space Aerospace and Defence, Türksat, and Ulak, participated in discussions on the development of joint projects and the enhancement of cooperation in the field of space technologies.
Space Technologies Taxonomy Study
Following the opening speech, the meeting continued with a presentation by Fatih Dulkan, Head of the Launch Systems and Technologies Department at TUA. Medeni Soysal, Ph.D., the Group Lead of TÜBİTAK UZAY Strategy, Coordination and Corporate Communication Group, then provided information about the purpose, history, and current status of the comprehensive “Space Technologies Taxonomy Study” coordinated by TÜBİTAK UZAY.
Dr. Soysal stated that the taxonomy study has been conducted to date through voluntary efforts and expressed gratitude to the industry representatives who contributed to this process. He emphasized that to develop the taxonomy in line with sectoral needs and to keep it up-to-date, resources must be allocated for “Technical Content Management and Coordination” as well as “Portal Management and Infrastructure Development.”
In this context, the “Space Technologies Taxonomy Portal,” prepared based on the first version of the taxonomy, was presented to sector representatives by Abdullah İşler, the Group Lead of TÜBİTAK UZAY Information Technologies Group.
International Astronautical Congress Preparations Discussed
Another agenda item discussed during the meeting was preparations for the International Astronautical Congress (IAC) to be held in Antalya in 2026. TUA representatives highlighted the importance of ensuring strong participation from the Turkish space sector at the meeting to be held in Sydney in 2025, in order to draw attention to the 2026 event.
After the presentations, participants shared their opinions and suggestions regarding MUEK activities. The current state of space technologies in Türkiye was evaluated, and ideas were exchanged on potential joint projects. This session significantly contributed to enhancing cooperation among industry stakeholders and to establishing common goals.
TÜBİTAK UZAY Technical Tour
The meeting was deemed an important step toward strengthening the organizational structure of Türkiye in space technologies and increasing cooperation across the sector. At the closing ceremony, TUA President Yusuf Kıraç once again emphasized the critical importance of SAHA MUEK for the space industry of Türkiye and thanked all participants for their contributions to the event.
After lunch, participants had the opportunity to closely examine the technical infrastructure and ongoing projects of TÜBİTAK UZAY. They were provided with detailed information about the activities and technologies of the Institute, with a particular focus on the TÜRKSAT 6A Project.
