Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan received senior SpaceX executives Rebecca Hunter and Michael Nicolls on Monday following the opening ceremony of the 77th International Astronautical Congress (IAC) in Antalya.

The meeting was held at the NEST Congress Center, where the five-day IAC 2026 opened on Monday. Türkiye's Transport and Infrastructure Minister Abdulkadir Uraloğlu, Industry and Technology Minister Mehmet Fatih Kacır and Haluk Bayraktar, chairman of the SAHA Istanbul Defence and Aerospace Cluster, also attended the meeting. No details were immediately released about the issues discussed.

The congress, organized by the International Astronautical Federation and hosted by the Turkish Space Agency, is being held in Türkiye for the first time. More than 10,000 participants are expected to attend the event, which runs from Oct. 5 to 9 and brings together representatives from space agencies, governments, universities and private-sector companies from around the world.

SpaceX's participation comes as Ankara explores cooperation with major international companies in satellite communications and other space-related technologies. Türkiye has been in talks with SpaceX and Amazon over the regulatory and security requirements for low Earth orbit satellite systems, including SpaceX's Starlink network.

Speaking at the opening of the congress, Erdoğan said Türkiye had made significant progress in the space sector and would not allow the country to fall behind in the global space race.

“Drawing inspiration from history, we have worked to plan how to shape and put our stamp on today and tomorrow,” Erdoğan said, adding that Türkiye had strengthened its institutions, invested in human resources and supported its industry, universities and research capabilities.

The president's meeting with SpaceX executives comes against the backdrop of Türkiye's broader efforts to develop an independent space ecosystem, including domestic satellite technologies and its National Space Program.

The Antalya congress is focused on issues ranging from satellite technology and commercial space activities to lunar exploration, space sustainability and international cooperation. Turkish officials have also highlighted plans to expand the country's space infrastructure and increase its role in the rapidly growing global space economy.

For SpaceX, the meeting provides an opportunity for engagement with Turkish officials and aerospace companies at one of the world's largest gatherings of the space industry. The company, led by Elon Musk, is a major player in satellite communications and commercial launch services through its Starlink network and Falcon rocket program.

The talks also come as Türkiye seeks greater access to global space markets while expanding its domestic capabilities. Hosting the IAC is expected to give Turkish companies and institutions opportunities to establish partnerships and showcase their technologies to international space-sector players. (ILKHA)