NASA to Highlight Artemis, Moon-to-Mars Exploration and Space Innovation at IAC 2026

NASA will participate in the 77th International Astronautical Congress (IAC) in Antalya, Türkiye, from Monday, October 5, through Friday, October 9. The agency will highlight U.S. leadership in human exploration of the Moon and Mars, responsible exploration under the Artemis Accords, world-changing science, and support for the commercial space sector.

Organized by the International Astronautical Federation, this year’s IAC will be hosted by the Turkish Space Agency (TUA).

A NASA delegation led by NASA Deputy Administrator Matt Anderson will participate in plenary sessions, technical discussions, and media activities throughout the week.

NASA Schedule at the 77th International Astronautical Congress

Monday, October 5

• 3 a.m. EDT (10 a.m. TRT): “One-on-One with Space Agency Heads,” featuring Matt Anderson.
• 9:30 a.m. EDT (4:30 p.m. TRT): “Transforming the Speed of Science with a New Model for Earth Observation Collaboration: Faster Mission Development for International and Commercial Fleets,” with keynote speaker Karen St. Germain, director of the Earth Sciences Division within NASA’s Science Mission Directorate.

Tuesday, October 6

• 4:45 a.m. EDT (11:45 a.m. TRT): “Artemis II Mission Results: Industry Perspective,” featuring Jeremy Parsons, Artemis Program Manager in NASA’s Human Spaceflight Mission Directorate.

Wednesday, October 7

• 3:15 a.m. EDT (10:15 a.m. TRT): “Space Manufacturing Technologies: Driving the Next Revolution in Biotechnology, Advanced Materials, and Human Exploration,” by Fatih Karuia, senior research scientist in the Division of Extraterrestrial Biology at NASA’s Ames Research Center and the Blue Marble Space Science Institute in California’s Silicon Valley.
• 4:35 a.m. EDT (11:35 a.m. TRT): “From Observation to Decision – Breaking Through the Last Mile Challenge,” with Karen St. Germain.
• 5 a.m. EDT (12 p.m. TRT): Artemis Accords press conference with Matt Anderson and Peruvian Space Agency (CONIDA) Director General Roberto Melgar Sheen.
• 8 a.m. EDT (3 p.m. TRT): “Trusted AI on Mars,” featuring Steve Chien, a technical fellow and senior scientist in the Artificial Intelligence Group at NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory in Southern California.
• 9:35 a.m. EDT (4:35 p.m. TRT): “NASA’s Artemis II Lunar Science Preliminary Public Release,” featuring Matt Anderson; Dr. Lori Glaze, NASA Human Spaceflight Mission Directorate associate administrator; Dr. Nikki Fox, NASA Science Mission Directorate associate administrator; and Dr. Kelsey Young, NASA Science Mission Directorate Artemis II Lunar Science Leader.

Thursday, October 8

• 10:45 a.m. EDT (5:45 p.m. TRT): “Pioneering Organ Chip Research in Space to Advance Precision Health,” by Dr. Lisa Carnell, director of the Biophysical Sciences Division within NASA’s Science Mission Directorate.

Friday, October 9

• 3 a.m. EDT (10 a.m. TRT): “What’s It Like to Be an Astronaut?” with NASA astronaut Chris Williams at the NASA exhibit.

How to Watch NASA Events at IAC

The full agenda for this year’s IAC is available online for registered media. Some events will also be available through the International Astronautical Federation’s YouTube channel.

In addition to the events listed above, NASA will present the U.S. Freedom 250 Commemoration, a celebration of America’s leadership in space exploration, science, and technological innovation. The agency will also showcase exhibits featuring NASA’s contributions to space exploration.

NASA’s exhibit booth is located in Hall 1 of the NEST Convention Center.

Learn more about NASA’s international partnerships below.

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George Alderman / Elizabeth Shaw
Headquarters, Washington
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