The annual conference of the Association of Space Explorers (ASE) started in the Turkish city of Bursa, gathering dozens of astronauts and pioneers in the space industry from around the world.

The ASE’s 34th Planetary Congress, which runs until Friday, attracted more than 70 representatives from around 20 countries and offers a series of technical sessions, seminars and student meetings.

Many prominent names in the industry, including world-renowned astronauts, would be sharing their experiences, including Chinese astronaut Fei Junlong.

Speaking at the opening of the event, Turkish Minister of Industry and Technology Mehmet Fatih Kacir urged the global community to work together and develop the space industry.

“We must ensure that everyone can benefit from space technologies and have access to technology without leaving anyone behind,” Kacir noted.

Türkiye’s first space travelers Alper Gezeravci and Tuva Cihangir Atasever would also attend the event as part of their training programme.

Founded in 1985, the ASE is as an international nonprofit professional and educational organisation aimed at fostering international cooperation in space exploration.