Mert Davut and Emir Yildirim
06 October 2026•Update: 06 October 2026
Turkish defense firm Roketsan is participating in high-level talks with global space agencies and aerospace firms to secure partnerships in launch systems and orbital technologies and ensure Türkiye’s independent access to space at the 77th International Astronautical Congress (IAC).
Roketsan CEO Murat Ikinci, speaking on the sidelines of the event held in the southwestern province of Antalya, told Anadolu that the firm is advancing its Simsek-1 system to launch 400-kilogram (881.8-pound) payloads into orbit, while its heavier Simsek-2 launch system is designed to carry 1.5-ton satellites.
“We’re holding important talks with global space agencies and firms about our subsystems and payloads,” he said. “We developed numerous subsystems, such as space engines, liquid-fueled propulsion systems, solid-fueled boosters, space-qualified navigation systems for orientation and control mechanisms, maneuvering technologies, gas-powered propulsion systems, and navigation and control systems at our facilities.”
Ikinci stated that domestic research was key to building Türkiye’s space infrastructure, as major spacefaring countries rarely share rocket and propulsion technologies.
He noted that while Roketsan works with universities and local defense suppliers, the firm is attending the congress to seek global partners to carry payloads on its future launch vehicles, which are expected to enable both Türkiye and its partners to advance orbital capabilities faster.
The IAC 2026 kicked off on Monday and will run until Friday. It is co-hosted by the Turkish Space Agency (TUA) and the SAHA Istanbul defense cluster and organized by the Industry and Technology Ministry. Anadolu serves as its global communications partner.
