IAF International Astronauts Chapter
The 77th International Astronautical Congress (IAC 2026) in Antalya, Türkiye, will proudly feature the IAF International Astronauts Chapter, jointly organized by the International Astronautical Federation (IAF) and the Turkish Space Agency (TUA).
As the IAF's flagship programme, the IAF International Astronauts Chapter brings together astronauts from around the world to share their experiences, inspire future generations, and engage with the global space community.
Reflecting the IAC 2026 theme - "The World Needs More Space" - the Chapter will explore the vital role of astronauts in promoting the responsible and sustainable use of space.
The programme will feature inspiring panel discussions and educational outreach activities, and public engagement events. Do not miss the IAF-ASE Astronaut Session during the IAF Global Networking Forum on Friday 9 October 2026 (Public Day).
IAC 2026 attendees will also have the opportunity to meet astronauts during dedicated autograph sessions, hear first-hand stories from their space missions, and collect signatures in the official IAF International Astronauts Chapter Booklet - a unique keepsake celebrating this extraordinary gathering of space explorers.
Step into the World of Space Exploration: Meet the International Astronauts at IAC 2026 in Antalya!
Alper GEZERAVCI
First Turkish Astronaut, Turkish Space Agency Board Member, Turkish Space Command Coordination & Execution Director F-16 & KC-135R Pilot, Turkish Space Agency (TUA)
Türkiye
André KUIPERS
ESA Astronaut, European Space Agency (ESA)
Netherlands
Claude NICOLLIER
Astronaut and Professor, Swiss Federal Institute of Technology
Switzerland
Dylan TAYLOR
Chairman and CEO, Voyager Technologies
United States
Franz VIEHBOCK
Astronaut and CEO, Berndorf AG
Austria
Gökhan ERDEM
New Shepard NS-34 Mission Astronaut, Blue Origin, A Board Member, Erdem Holding
Türkiye
Hazzaa ALMANSOORI
Astronaut, Mohammed Bin Rashid Space Centre (MBRSC)
United Arab Emirates
Julie PAYETTE
Astronaut, President, Association of Space Explorers
Canada
Marcus WANDT
Chief Innovation Officer, SAAB AB, Special Advisor, Swedish National Space Agency (SNSA), Astronaut, European Space Agency (ESA)
Sweden
Mark POLANSKY
Astronaut, National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), Vice President for Government Services, Barrios
United States
Michael LOPEZ-ALEGRIA
Chief of the Astronaut Office and Ax-1 Mission Commander, Axiom Space, LLC
United States
Reinhold EWALD
Astronaut & Professor for Astronautics and Space Stations at the Institute of Spaceflight System, Institute of Space Systems, University of Stuttgart
Germany
Sławosz UZNAŃSKI-WIŚNIEWSKI
Astronaut, European Space Agency (ESA)
Poland
Soichi NOGUCHI
Astronaut, Executive Fellow, World Economic Forum (WEF)
Japan
Rusty SCHWEICKART
Astronaut and Scientist, National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA)
United States
Tim KOPRA
Chief Human Exploration Officer, Retired NASA Astronaut, Voyager Technologies
United States
Tony ANTONELLI
Astronaut (retired), National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA)
United States
Thomas MARSHBURN
Chief Astronaut & VP Human Factors Engineering, Sierra Space
United States
Tuva CIHANGIR ATASEVER
Astronaut, Turkish Space Agency (TUA)
Türkiye
