Türkiye, Axiom Space sign agreement to strengthen space industry supply chain
TUA and Axiom Space signed a cooperation agreement to explore and identify potential supply chain opportunities for the Turkish space industry ecosystem. (IHA Photo)
Turkish Space Agency (TUA) and Axiom Space have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to identify and develop supply chain opportunities for Türkiye’s space industry.
The partnership aims to integrate Türkiye into global space initiatives, including the planned Axiom Space Station.
The announcement was made by the Ministry of Industry and Technology, which emphasized the transition to commercial space stations as the International Space Station (ISS) is expected to retire by 2030.
Axiom Space is one of the leading companies developing next-generation space stations with modules that will initially connect to the militants.
Diverse fields of cooperation identified
The agreement outlines collaboration across various fields, including space technology, aerospace, materials science, advanced manufacturing, textiles, communications, and life sciences.
The ministry highlighted the broader goals of the partnership: “Through this cooperation, we aim to inspire the next generation of astronauts, engineers, scientists, and leaders while supporting the sustainability of the space industry and fostering innovation opportunities in other sectors.”
Key objectives of the partnership
The MoU sets several foundational goals for the collaboration:
- Establishing research laboratories for exploration and discovery.
- Creating manufacturing facilities leveraging microgravity environments.
- Testing space materials and validating technologies for deep space missions.
- Developing platforms for transportation, logistics, and services in low Earth orbit.
- Designing new communication and observation systems.
- Providing professional astronaut training facilities.
The agreement also includes plans for the co-production of specific modules in Türkiye, which are expected to strengthen the country’s international presence in the space sector.
‘A milestone for Türkiye’s space industry’
Minister of Industry and Technology Mehmet Fatih Kacir hailed the agreement as a milestone for Türkiye’s space industry.
“This collaboration will enhance Türkiye’s role in the global space ecosystem and ignite interest among our youth, making them part of this grand vision. With shared expertise, we will foster advancements across multiple disciplines,’ he said.
Kacir also highlighted Türkiye’s progress in aviation and satellite technologies, stating, “The projects we undertake will help Türkiye secure a greater share of the global space economy, which is projected to reach $1 trillion annually.”
In a social media post he shared on X, Kacir said, “Türkiye will contribute to manned space research with its space industry,” and he added, “This partnership will strengthen Türkiye’s role in the global space ecosystem and increase our young generations’ interest in space.”
Focus on education, inspiration
TUA President Yusuf Kirac emphasized the educational aspect of the collaboration. “This agreement will not only guide our industry but also offer young people the opportunity to explore the limitless possibilities of space, inspiring them to become future leaders, engineers, and scientists,” he said.
Kirac added that Türkiye’s innovation and technological capabilities would gain greater recognition in the international arena through this partnership.
Axiom Space’s commitment to collaboration
Tejpaul Bhatia, Chief Revenue Officer at Axiom Space, expressed excitement about the collaboration. “Today, we are unlocking new opportunities by working closely with the Turkish government and its dynamic space industry to explore low Earth orbit’s potential,” he said.
Bhatia highlighted Türkiye’s contributions, including its first astronaut mission, as significant milestones.
“Türkiye and Axiom Space are inspiring a new generation of scientists and engineers while contributing to the growth of the global space ecosystem,” he added.
