The research conducted at the Istanbul Technical University (ITU) Energy Institute on space materials, radiation effects, and semiconductor layer technologies continues to draw international attention thanks to the long-standing scientific collaboration with JAXA – Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency.

Within the scope of this collaboration:

• Material samples developed by Turkish researchers were delivered to the JAXA Space
Center in Tsukuba, Japan,
• These samples were exposed to external space radiation in the KIBO module of the International Space Station (ISS) by astronaut Dr. Norishige Kanai, and the experiments were successfully completed,
• The studies were certified by JAXA three separate times over the years, and the projects took their place in the scientific literature.

This long-term research partnership not only strengthens ITU’s academic contribution to the field of space technologies but also provides significant value to the development of science diplomacy between Türkiye and Japan.

A selection of space material experiments conducted with the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA), scientific infrastructure interactions with the ISS–Kibo Module, discussions 

Academic Support for IAC 2026 and Türkiye’s Space Vision

Researchers and students from the ITU Energy Institute took an active role in campus activities related to the International Astronautical Congress (IAC) 2026 Antalya, for which Türkiye will serve as host.

At the events held at ITU Ayazağa Campus Süleyman Demirel Cultural Center:

• ITU Rector Prof. Dr. Hasan Mandal,
• TUA President Yusuf Kıraç,
• ITU Vice Rector Prof. Dr. Lütfiye Durak-Ata,
• Faculty members from the Faculty of Aeronautics and Astronautics, including Prof. D. Melike Nikbay,
• Academics from various departments and numerous undergraduate and graduate students

visited the ITU Energy Institute booth.

At the booth, space material experiments conducted in collaboration with JAXA, certificates related to these studies, publications, and theses were introduced, offering students awareness of career paths and research opportunities.

Additionally, Türkiye’s second astronaut Tuva Cihangir Atasever and third astronaut Gökhan Erdem visited the booth, where the ISS KIBO flag—symbolizing the JAXA collaboration—was displayed once again.

Active Role of ITU Students in Space Research

The research activities involving master’s and doctoral students during this process not only increased international visibility but also contributed significantly to the development of young researchers’ competencies in space science.

During the events:

• Research Assistant Hilal Macun Elmalı,
• Dr. Maryam Kiai

introduced ITU’s research to national and international visitors.