Full Breakdown
Turkey Becomes the 71st Signatory to NASA’s Artemis Accords
9/1/2026, 4:08:45 AM
Turkey Joins the Artemis Accords
On August 31, 2026, Turkish Minister of Industry and Technology Mehmet Fatih Kacir signed the Artemis Accords at NASA’s headquarters in Washington, D.C., making Turkey the 71st nation to join the U.S.-led framework. The ceremony was attended by NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman, Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for Space and Environment Connor Tomlinson, and Turkish Space Agency President Yusuf Kiraç. The signing marks Turkey as the seventh Middle-East country—alongside the UAE, Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, Oman, Jordan and Israel—to adopt the accords.
Background of the Artemis Accords
The Artemis Accords were announced in 2020 by NASA and the U.S. State Department together with seven founding nations. They establish a set of practical principles for peaceful, transparent lunar and deep-space activities, including commitments to:
- explore without conflict and render aid in emergencies,
- share scientific data openly,
- avoid interference with other nations’ operations, and
- preserve historically significant sites on the Moon.
Signatories are invited to contribute hardware, scientific payloads, CubeSats, and technology demonstrations to future Artemis missions.
Key Figures in the Signing
- Mehmet Fatih Kacir – Minister of Industry and Technology, Republic of Türkiye, signed on behalf of the nation.
- Jared Isaacman – NASA Administrator, hosted the ceremony.
- Yusuf Kiraç – President of the Turkish Space Agency, observed the event.
- Connor Tomlinson – U.S. Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for Space and Environment, participated in the signing.
Official Statements & Responses
- “It is my privilege to welcome the Republic of Türkiye as the 71st signatory of the Artemis Accords,” — Jared Isaacman, NASA administrator
- “Our aim is to establish a sustainable presence in space and advance the peaceful use of space for the benefit of all humanity.” — Mr Kacir
Both administrators highlighted Turkey’s “bold vision” and its ambition to build a sustainable presence in space for the benefit of all humanity.
Impact and Future Plans
Turkey’s recent space milestones include Alper Gezervaci’s 2024 flight to the International Space Station on Axiom Mission 3 and Tuva Atasever’s sub-orbital flight on Virgin Galactic 07. The nation is preparing its first lunar mission, AYAP-1, and will host the International Astronautical Congress in Antalya this October. Analysts note that the accords also serve U.S. strategic interests by offering a cooperative alternative to Russian and Chinese lunar programs.
