Preliminary lunar science findings from NASA’s Artemis II mission with artificial intelligence applications for Mars exploration and a new international agreement with Japan highlight day three of the 77th International Astronautical Congress (IAC) in Antalya, Turkiye.
NASA will release its first comprehensive set of data images and audio from the Artemis II lunar mission. Earlier in the day NASA officials and Peru’s space agency will brief reporters following the fifth annual Artemis Accords meeting also focusing on safe and sustainable space exploration.
AI in space exploration will take center stage as NASA researchers present the deployment of trusted AI systems on Mars. Discussions will also cover Europe’s future exploration plans, next-generation orbital infrastructure beyond the International Space Station, nuclear propulsion and satellite-driven disaster response.
Host nation Turkiye will showcase its space ambitions through space agency TUBITAK UZAY. The agency will present plans for the Lunar Water Lifecycle Observatory, the world's first mission dedicated to studying water processes on the Moon slated for launch in early 2027.
In international diplomacy, the International Astronautical Federation (IAF) and Japan’s JAXA will sign a formal agreement designating Japan as host for the 2028 Global Space Exploration Conference. Additional sessions will examine Hong Kong’s growing role in space governance and commercialization.
The five-day event organized by the IAF and hosted by the Turkish Space Agency brings together agency heads, astronauts and researchers from over 100 countries.
