The SAHA Istanbul - National Space Industry Committee (MUEK) meeting, which was organized to discuss Turkey's strategic goals in the space sector and bring together industry stakeholders, was hosted by TÜBİTAK UZAY on November 22, 2024.
Yusuf Kıraç, President of the Turkish Space Agency (TUA), delivered the opening speech of the meeting. Kıraç talked about the steps to be taken within the framework of Turkey's National Space Program and the contributions of sector companies through international cooperation, and emphasized the critical role of SAHA MUEK in achieving these goals. He also emphasized the importance of public and private sector cooperation for Turkey's national goals in the space industry.
TUA, TÜBİTAK UZAY, SAHA Istanbul, Altınay Defense Technologies, Artı Industrial Electronics, Asartech, Aselsan, Aspilsan Energy, Bites Defense, Birikim Pilleri Battery Technologies, CTech, DeltaV Space Technologies, Havelsan, Impro, KİM Technology, Meteksan Defense, Novart Space Technologies, Poloptech, Profen, Qubitrium, At the meeting, where representatives of leading institutions in the sector such as SDT Space and Defence Technologies, Serenay Group, Teknokar Defence and Aerospace, THK University, Tulpar Space Aviation and Defence, Türksat and Ulak came together, the development of joint projects in the field of space technologies and increasing cooperation were discussed.
Space Technologies Taxonomy Study
Following the opening speech, the meeting continued with a presentation by Fatih Dulkan, Head of Launch Systems and Technologies Department at TUA. Afterwards, Dr. Medeni Soysal, Leader of TÜBİTAK UZAY Strategy Coordination and Corporate Communication Group, gave information about the purpose, history and current status of the comprehensive "Space Technologies Taxonomy Study" conducted under the coordination of TÜBİTAK UZAY.
Prof. Dr. Soysal stated that the taxonomy work has been carried out so far with voluntary efforts and thanked the sector representatives who have contributed to this process. In order to develop the taxonomy in line with sectoral needs and to keep it up-to-date, it was stated that the work should continue in the fields of "Technical Content Management and Coordination" and "Portal Management and Infrastructure Development" with the necessary resources.
In this context, the "Space Technologies Taxonomy Portal", which was prepared based on the first version of the taxonomy, was presented to sector representatives by TÜBİTAK UZAY Information Technologies Group Leader Abdullah İşler.
International Space Congress Preparations Discussed
In another agenda item of the meeting, TUA representatives provided information about the preparations for the International Space Congress (IAC) to be held in Antalya in 2026. The importance of ensuring a strong participation from the Turkish space sector in the meeting to be held in Sydney in 2025 was emphasized in order to draw attention to the organization in 2026.
Following the presentations, the opinions and suggestions of the participants regarding MUEK activities were received. Turkey's current situation in the field of space technologies was evaluated and ideas were exchanged on joint projects that could be realized in the future. This session made a significant contribution to increasing cooperation among sector stakeholders and setting common goals.
TUBITAK SPACE Technical Tour
The meeting was evaluated as an important step towards Turkey's goals of strengthening its organizational structure in the field of space technologies and increasing cooperation in the sector. At the closing ceremony, TUA President Yusuf Kıraç once again emphasized the critical importance of SAHA MUEK for Turkey's space industry, and thanked all participants who contributed to the event.
Following the lunch organized after the meeting, the participants had the opportunity to closely examine the technical infrastructure and projects of TÜBİTAK UZAY. The participants were provided with detailed information about the work carried out by the institute, especially the TÜRKSAT 6A Project, and the technologies it possesses.
