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From CubeSats to Mars missions: OMU researchers present at IAC 2026

Berk Can Dereci 05 October 2026, Monday - 10:54 Updated: 08 October 2026, Thursday - 10:55
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Led by Rector Prof. Dr. Fatma Aydın, the OMU delegation is participating in the 77th International Astronautical Congress in Antalya, where three OMU researchers will present studies on satellite communications, binary stars, and radiation protection for Mars missions.

Ondokuz Mayıs University (OMU) is participating in the 77th International Astronautical Congress (IAC 2026), held in Antalya from October 5 to 9, 2026, with a delegation led by Rector Prof. Dr. Fatma Aydın.

The opening of the congress was attended by President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, Minister of Industry and Technology Mehmet Fatih Kacır, and Minister of Transport and Infrastructure Abdulkadir Uraloğlu.

Bringing together space agencies, universities, research centers, scientists, entrepreneurs, and industry representatives from around the world, the congress is being held at the NEST Congress Center in Antalya.

Organized by the International Astronautical Federation (IAF) under the coordination of the Ministry of Industry and Technology, IAC 2026 is co-hosted by the Turkish Space Agency (TUA) and SAHA Istanbul.

Held under the theme “The World Needs More Space,” IAC 2026 is bringing together thousands of participants from 108 countries to discuss a wide range of topics, from space science and next-generation technologies to international cooperation and the future of the space sector.

Rector Aydın meets Minister Uraloğlu

As part of the congress, OMU Rector Prof. Dr. Fatma Aydın met with Minister of Transport and Infrastructure Abdulkadir Uraloğlu.

The meeting focused on multidisciplinary space-related research carried out at OMU and the University’s technological capabilities in this field.

The parties also discussed OMU’s work in space and communications technologies, as well as efforts to develop the qualified human resources Türkiye needs in these strategic areas.

Rector Aydın stated that OMU would continue contributing to Türkiye’s strategic objectives in space and communications through an inclusive, sustainable approach centered on highly qualified human resources, and thanked Minister Uraloğlu for his interest and support.

Three oral presentations from OMU

OMU is taking part in the congress not only as a participant but also through scientific studies presented by its academics and students.

Three researchers representing the University will deliver oral presentations covering different areas of space science and technology. All three are attending the congress with support from the TÜBİTAK 4001 Scientific Event Participation Support Program.

OMU Vice-Rector and Faculty of Engineering faculty member Prof. Dr. Çetin Kurnaz, from the Department of Electrical and Electronics Engineering, will present his research on a compact quad-band antenna design for CubeSat and small-satellite communication systems on October 9.

Dr. Selami Kalkan of the Astronomy Education Application and Research Center will present a study of the 2MASS J00532822+2536229 binary star system, based on observations conducted at the OMU Observatory, on October 6.

Faculty of Engineering Electrical and Electronics Engineering student Muhammed Furkan Yamlı will present his research on October 8. His study examines the use of wastewater and surplus water stored within polyethylene panels as radiation shielding for crews during long-duration Mars missions.

Rector Aydın: “We want our students and academics to be active stakeholders”

Commenting on the congress, Rector Prof. Dr. Fatma Aydın said IAC 2026 offers important opportunities for scientific exchange, technological innovation, and international cooperation.

Aydın emphasized that OMU wants its students and academics to participate not merely as observers, but as active stakeholders in the space ecosystem and the congress itself.

She noted that research conducted at the University in areas including observational astronomy, satellite communications, space architecture, and related disciplines is contributing to the scientific program of the congress.

OMU Observatory supports research in space sciences

Rector Aydın also highlighted the role of the OMU Observatory in providing scientific infrastructure for research and education in astronomy and space sciences.

She said the Observatory enables students to apply theoretical knowledge in practice while developing skills in data generation, observation, and analysis.

Aydın added that OMU aims to play a more active role in multi-center research conducted through national and international observation networks.

She also stated that future cooperation with the Turkish Space Agency would help strengthen OMU’s academic capacity while contributing to Türkiye’s strategic goals in space.

Hosted by Türkiye for the first time, the congress is expected to increase the international visibility of the country’s scientific and technological capacity while creating new opportunities for collaboration among universities, research centers, and the global space ecosystem.