The Importance of Arbitration in Space Disputes

Date : 27.02.2025
Time : 10 : 00

Location : Cumhuriyet Conference Hall

She graduated with honors from Başkent University Faculty of Law in 2001. In 2002, she started to work as a research assistant in the Department of Labor and Social Security Law at the same university. In 2007, she continued her doctoral studies at the Justus Liebig University of Giessen, Germany for four months. She received the title of doctor of law in 2009. She became a judge in 2010, and after completing her internship, she was appointed as a judge in 2012. In 2015, she did post-doctoral research at Giessen Justus Liebig University in Germany to do her associate professorship studies. In October 2017, she received the title of associate professor in the field of Labor and Social Security Law. She has published two scientific books, many articles and gave presentations in the field of labor and social security law, and published articles, book and communiques in the field of arbitration. She is currently working as the Head of International Arbitration and Alternative Solutions Department at the Presidency of the Directorate of Administrative Affairs, General Directorate of Law and Legislation.

Date : 27.02.2025
Time : 10 : 00

Location : Cumhuriyet Conference Hall

Faruk Yılmaz graduated from Kırıkkale University’s Department of Electrical and Electronics Engineering in 2010 and began his professional career as a District Operations Chief at Osmangazi Electricity Distribution Company. He subsequently worked as an Engineer at the Ministry of Culture and Tourism, an Assistant Expert at the Ministry of National Education, and an Assistant Expert of Transportation and Communication at the Ministry of Transport and Infrastructure. He earned the title of Transportation and Communication Expert with his thesis titled “Frequency Bands in Communication Satellites and an Analysis of the Current Status of National Satellites.” In 2019, he completed his master’s degree in Public Administration at Hacettepe University with a thesis titled “A Field Study on Career Expertise and Its Challenges in Turkish Public Administration.” During his tenure at the Executive Directorate of Transport, Maritime Affairs and Communications Research Center (UDHAM), he served as the Ministry Observer in the TÜRKSAT 6A Domestic and National Communication Satellite Development Project. He also contributed to projects such as the Development of ITS (Intelligent Transportation Systems) Architecture, Ka-Band VSAT Terminal Project, and Cooperative ITS Project. In 2022, he was appointed as the Head of the Transportation Technologies Department, and in 2024, he assumed the position of Head of the Strategy Department. In addition to managing and concluding research and development project support calls in the fields of transport technologies and accessibility, he also works on implementing R&D projects required by the institutions and organizations within the Ministry.

Nationality in Communication Technologies: ULAK

Date : 27.02.2025
Time : 11 : 35

Location : Cumhuriyet Conference Hall

Dr. Celal Sami TÜFEKCİ was born in 1971 in Giresun, Türkiye. He earned his Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering from Gazi University (Ankara, Türkiye), his Master’s degree from Northeastern University (Boston, Massachusetts, USA), and his Ph.D. from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (Troy, New York, USA), all in the field of Mechanical Engineering. Dr. TÜFEKCİ began his professional career as a Project Engineer at the Research Center of Pitney Bowes Inc., a global leader in communication and document creation solutions, located in Shelton, Connecticut, USA. During his tenure, he made significant contributions to high-performance motion control, obtaining patents for his work. As a specialist in Mechatronics and Control System Design, he provided consultancy for numerous projects across various companies. He later worked as a Satellite Design Specialist at Thales Alenia Space (Cannes, France), contributing to the production and technology transfer of the TÜRKSAT 3A satellite (Launch/Ariane-5: June 12, 2008, Kourou, French Guiana). Following this, he served as the Program Director for National Communication Satellites at TÜRKSAT (Ankara, Türkiye). Dr. TÜFEKCİ also worked as a Chief Researcher at TÜBİTAK Space Technologies Research Institute (Ankara, Türkiye), contributing to the RASAT (Launch/Dnepr: August 17, 2011, Yasny, Russia) and GÖKTÜRK-2 (Launch/LM2D: December 18, 2012, Jiuquan, China) Earth observation satellite projects. Dr. TÜFEKCİ joined the Presidency of Defense Industries of the Republic of Türkiye (Ankara, Türkiye) as the Head of the Space Department, where he managed the high-resolution GÖKTÜRK-1 (Launch/Vega: December 5, 2016, Kourou, French Guiana) Satellite Program and Satellite Launch Programs. He was later appointed as Deputy Undersecretary and continued as Vice President after the transformation of the Undersecretariat into the Presidency in 2018. From 2023 to 2024, he served as the Deputy Minister of National Defense. Having held positions on the boards of several companies in the past, Dr. TÜFEKCİ currently serves as the Chairman of the Board at ULAK Communications Inc. Additionally, he is a member of the Advisory Boards of the Mechanical Engineering Department at Gazi University, the Electrical and Electronics Engineering Department at Bilkent University, and the Aerospace Engineering Department at Middle East Technical University (METU). Dr. TÜFEKCİ is married with three children and is fluent in English.

Space Sector Strategy

Date : 27.02.2025
Time : 13 : 50

Location : Cumhuriyet Conference Hall

Education and Early Career: Between 1997 and 2001, I worked as a Research Assistant in the Solid-State Physics field at Ankara University’s Department of Physics Engineering during my master’s degree program. Working as a Research Assistant during my graduate studies allowed me to enhance my academic research skills. I gained experience in applying scientific methods, data analysis, experimental design, and interpreting results. This academic environment also contributed to the development of my learning and communication abilities. Professional Experience : 2001 – Present | Presidency of Defense Industries (SSB) In 2001, I joined the Presidency of Defense Industries (SSB). I have been involved in various projects in fields such as Command, Control, Communications, Computers, and Intelligence (C4I), radar systems, satellite communications, and Earth observation satellites. In 2015, I was appointed to the Satellite and Space Systems Project Directorate, where I am currently serving. My primary responsibilities include the management and execution of all project processes, including: • Planning and managing product development activities such as qualification, integration, functional testing, and commissioning, • Technical review, evaluation, and coordination of design processes, • Oversight of post-delivery warranty and maintenance activities. Key Contributions and Focus Areas: Aligned with the national goals and strategies, my work emphasizes the following: • Preparing satellite roadmaps that address technical, budgetary, and timeline considerations, • Monitoring the efficient utilization of critical infrastructures such as the Satellite Assembly, Integration, and Test Center (USET), the Optical Systems Research Laboratory (OPMER), and the Radiation Particle Test Infrastructure, • Developing processes for commercializing excess capacity of satellite imagery, conducting market research, and designing project models. My role requires strong expertise in project management, technical coordination, and strategic planning within the space and satellite systems domain.

Innovative Technologies Development Ecosystem and TURKSAT Inc. in the Development of Satellite and Space Technologies

Date : 27.02.2025
Time : 11 : 35

Location : Cumhuriyet Conference Hall

Osman Dur, completed his B.S. education with an honor degree in 1988, at Ankara University, Institute of Science, Department of Physics. He was awarded the research grant of the Hungarian Government and attended the Technical University of Budapest for master thesis. He completed his doctoral studies at the National High Magnetic Field Laboratory with a research scholarship from Florida State University. Dr. Dur served at many high level management positions in challenging technological projects of Turkey. He is founding General Manager of Turksat AS, national communication satellites operator of Turkey. During his management in Turksat, Dr. Dur initiated the first domestic satellite project of Turkey (Turksat-6A) and satellite assembly, integration and test center (AIT) with technology transfer programs. Dr. Dur was the board member at many international organizations such as Eurasiasat, Association of European Satellite Operators, Intelsat, Inmarsat, Eutelsat, BMC POWER A.S., TR MOTOR A.S., He is currently Faculty of Graduate School of Natural and Applied Sciences Advanced Technology Dept at Gazi University.

Creating Qualified Workforce for the Space Industry and the National Space Program

Date : 27.02.2025
Time : 11 : 35

Location : Cumhuriyet Conference Hall

M. Mehmet NEFES received his Bachelor's degree in Electrical and Electronics Engineering from Bilkent University in 2006, and his Master's degree in Engineering Management from the Industrial Engineering Program of the Turkish Aeronautical Association (THK) University. He began his career in 2006 as a research and development (R&D) engineer at TÜRKSAT AŞ. During 2006-2007, he also conducted his master's studies at the BİL-UZAY Research Center. NEFES held various positions in Satellite Design and R&D, Satellite Frequency Monitoring, and Satellite Programs departments at TÜRKSAT AŞ. He played an active role in numerous satellite and infrastructure projects, including TÜRKSAT 4A/4B, TÜRKSAT 5A/5B, the establishment of the National Space Systems Integration and Test Center, the installation of ground systems for satellites, and the development of Türkiye’s first national communications satellite, TÜRKSAT 6A. From January 2021 to November 2023, he served as Director of Satellite Programs. In this role, he led satellite project management, provided technology consulting, and oversaw the provision of training services, pioneering the country’s first exports in this domain. By the decision of the TÜBİTAK Presidency on November 27, 2023, M. Mehmet NEFES was appointed Director of TÜBİTAK Space Technologies Research Institute and continues to serve in this capacity. On February 12, 2024, he was appointed as a member of the Board of Directors of the Turkish Space Agency through a Presidential Decree published in the Official Gazette. He is currently continuing in this role. Specializing in fields such as engineering management, satellite communication systems, command-control systems, satellite production and testing processes, reliability engineering, and satellite procurement and launch services management, NEFES has represented Türkiye in NATO's Resilience Committee-Civil Communications Planning Group since March 2023. With nearly 20 years of experience in the satellite/space sector, NEFES is married and has two children.

Space Debris and Operational Threat

Date : 27.02.2025
Time : 15 : 10

Location : Cumhuriyet Conference Hall

Lokman Kuzu was born in Karapınar in 1974. He received his undergraduate degree from Middle East Technical University (METU) Department of Electrical and Electronics Engineering in 1997. Between 1997 and 1999, he worked as chief engineer on large-scale projects in Türkiye and Uzbekistan. After completing his military service in 2000, he went to New York for graduate study. He received his master's and doctoral degrees from Syracuse University in 2003 and 2006, respectively. While there, he did projects at various RF/Microwave companies. He worked on Türksat 3A, 4A and 4B Geostationary satellite projects in Toulouse and Cannes, France, between 2006 and 2008, and in Kamakura, Japan, in 2012. He has traveled to over 60 countries. He served as the Director and Chairman of the Board of Directors of TUBITAK Space Technologies Research Institute between March 2014 and October 2019. During this period, he carried out the Türksat 6A and IMECE satellite projects. He also completed many infrastructure projects. He taught at many universities. He is a frequent guest speaker on astronomy and space technologies. After 2019, he was busy with some defense projects at EHSİM, a subsidiary of ASELSAN. As of July 2020, he was appointed as General Manager of TR Anten Elektronik A.Ş. He developed nearly 40 types of antennas used in military applications. Following Prof. Dr. Haluk Görgün's appointment as Undersecretary of Defense, he was appointed as the Executive Vice President responsible for Space Systems at TAI. He is also the chairman of the board of directors of GSATCOM, a joint venture between TAI and Argentina's Invap company. He is also faculty member of Electrical and Electronics Engineering department at Karabük University. His years of experience in academia, business, and government have given him a unique perspective on space operations and projects.

Current Status and Strategy in Communication Satellite Technologies

Date : 27.02.2025
Time : 11 : 35

Location : Cumhuriyet Conference Hall

Dr. Demirel has been assigned as the Deputy General Manager responsible for satellite communications services on January 29, 2021. He started his career in 2006 as a specialist in Türksat A.Ş. Between 2006-2008, he was the Satellite Electric Power Systems Specialist in France within the scope of the “Türksat 3A Satellite Project Technology Transfer Program”. He took part in satellite design activities within Türksat R&D and Satellite Design Directorate and in the management of installation and acceptance processes of USET, which is the only satellite assembly, integration and test center of Turkey. Between 2014 and 2021, he conducted Türksat 5A, Türksat 5B and the first domestic communication satellite Türksat 6A satellite programs as Türksat Satellite Programs Director. Between 2014 and 2021, he directed satellite programs for Türksat 5A, Türksat 5B and Türksat 6A (the first domestic communication satellite) as Türksat Satellite Programs Director. He completed his undergraduate education in Istanbul Technical University Electrical Engineering Department in 2002. He received his master's degree from Darmstadt Technical University Electrical and Electronics Engineering Department in Germany and completed his Ph.D. in the same department.

The Road to Space: Türkiye's Space Studies and Projects Leading the Future

Date : 27.02.2025
Time : 15 : 10

Location : Cumhuriyet Conference Hall

Mr. Ali BAYGELDİ , completed his undergraduate education in the Department of Electronics Engineering at Erciyes University. In 1995, he began working at Türksat Satellite Communications Cable TV and Operations Inc. as an "Orbit Control Engineer" in the satellite control center. After ten years of experience, he joined Türk Telekom in 2005, where he worked his way up through the positions of Project Engineer, Information Technologies Manager, and Chief Engineer. Later, he left Türk Telekom and started working at the Ministry of Transport and Infrastructure. He served as Project Engineer, Head of Satellite Design and Integration Department, Deputy General Manager, and finally, Head of the Intelligent Transportation Systems Department. In 2019, he was appointed as the Head of Space Systems and Spacecraft Department at the Turkish Space Agency. Throughout his career, he has been involved in numerous projects in the field of space technologies. Some of these include: Türksat Satellite Projects, EGNOS (Satellite-Based Positioning and Navigation Studies) Feasibility Project (2015-2017), UBAKUSAT CubeSat Project (2016-2018), Space Environment Exposure Experiments in the Kibo module of the International Space Station (2017-2019). Additionally, he played a managerial role in the process of preparing the National Space Program (MUP). Currently, he is responsible for the implementation of the National Space Program and is in charge of the ongoing AY Research Program under MUP. He continues to serve as the Head of Space Systems, Missions, and Technologies Department.

Development of Space Technologies and the Need for Space Law

Date : 27.02.2025
Time : 15 : 10

Location : Cumhuriyet Conference Hall

He graduated from METU Electrical and Electronics Engineering Department in 1988. In 1990, he completed his master's degree in Electrical and Electronics Engineering at METU. He has been working on Satellite Communication and Space Systems for more than 20 years at ASELSAN, where he started to work as an engineer in 1988. Among the important projects in which he played a role in the field of Space Systems are TÜRKSAT-6A, the first national communication satellite of our country, and GÖKTÜRK Reconnaissance and Surveillance Satellites. He also played an important role in the nationalization of Satellite Communication Systems in various bands on Land, Air and Sea platforms. He is currently working as the Director of Satellite and Space Technologies at ASELSAN.

Generative Artificial Intelligence Technology and Turkish Large Language Model Platform “MAIN”

Date : 27.02.2025
Time : 15 : 10

Location : Cumhuriyet Conference Hall

After graduating from Bilkent University, Department of Electrical and Electronics Engineering in 2011, he completed his Ph.D. at Eskişehir Technical University as the best Ph.D. student in March 2021. Mendi is the Business Development and Solution Engineering Director at Turkey's largest military software company HAVELSAN, has received his MBA degree in 2016 and Project Management Professional (PMP) degree in 2020. He is working on emerging technologies, especially on Blockchain technology. He carried out one of the first doctoral thesis in Turkey on blockchain technology. It has been addressed the use of Blockchain technology in the field of land registration systems with this work. Mendi, who has made 14 international publications and 4 patents in the field of blockchain, continues its work mainly on Blockchain. Mendi is a referee in many national and international research projects and scientific journals, has more than 50 academic studies as well as 5 patent studies. At the same time, Mendi has been working as a faculty member at Ostim Technical University since 2022, giving courses on Blockchain and Emerging technologies.

Secure Satellite Communications

Date : 27.02.2025
Time : 13 : 50

Location : Cumhuriyet Conference Hall

Dr. Nurşen SARI was born in 1970 in Erzincan. She completed her undergraduate education at Yıldız University, Kocaeli Faculty of Engineering, Department of Electronics and Communication Engineering, and her master's and doctorate education at Istanbul Technical University, Institute of Science, Department of Electronics and Communication Engineering, Department of Electronics and Communication in 2006. She worked as a Research Assistant at Kocaeli University, Department of Electronics and Communication Engineering between 1992-1997. She worked as a Software Design Engineer at NETAŞ R&D between 1997-1998, and as a Systems Engineer at the Naval Forces Command Research Center Command, Electronic Warfare Research Group between 1998-2001. Nurşen SARI, who started working as an Expert Researcher at TÜBİTAK MAM Information Technologies Institute in 2001, was assigned as a Visiting Researcher at NRL (Naval Research Laboratory) in Alexandria, United States, and Virginia Technical University between January and July 2003. In May 2013, Dr. SARI assumed the role of Deputy Director responsible for Underwater Defense and Acoustic Systems at TÜBİTAK BİLGEM Advanced Technologies Research Institute and held this position until March 2015. Dr. SARI, who started working as Deputy General Manager responsible for Engineering and Programs at C Tech Information Technologies Industry and Trade Inc. in March 2015, continues this position today. Dr. SARI, who received the TÜBİTAK Bilgem Best Research Group awards in 2012 and the TÜBİTAK BİLGEM Best Product Development awards in 2014, SARI has presented and published articles/notifications in numerous national and international congresses, conferences, symposiums. Dr. Nurşen SARI has been serving as an Independent Board Member of ASELSAN since the Ordinary General Assembly Meeting held on June 29, 2021. She speaks English fluently. She is married with 2 children.

Technology-Regulation Equation

Date : 27.02.2025
Time : 13 : 50

Location : Cumhuriyet Conference Hall

Mr. Kaybal is currently the Spectrum and Regulatory Affairs Manager at Plan-S Satellite and Space Technologies, where he focuses on radio spectrum-related matters and market access strategies. Prior to joining Plan-S, Mr. Kaybal spent over a decade at Turkey’s Information and Communication Technologies Authority, contributing to national and international spectrum regulation, with a particular focus on mobile broadband services. He represented Türkiye in key international organizations such as the ITU, CEPT, NATO, and RSPG. During his tenure, he led initiatives like Türkiye's Mobile Broadband Spectrum Strategy, proposals for the use of the 700 MHz and UHF bands, the transition to new spectrum management tools, drafting spectrum regulations, and advancing WRC policy developments. Additionally, he served as a system engineer in ASELSAN and TÜBİTAK. He holds a Bachelor's and a Master’s degree in Electrical and Electronics Engineering, specializing in telecommunications, from Bilkent University.

TOBBUYUM and the Resolution of Commercial Disputes in Space

Date : 27.02.2025
Time : 10 : 00

Location : Cumhuriyet Conference Hall

Onur YÜKSEL, Ph.D. graduated from Eskişehir Anadolu University, Faculty of Economics and Business Administration, Department of Business Management in 2008, after that he attended and successfully completed the 10- month Global Commercial Disputes Certificate Program at Northeastern University in Boston, USA in 2009. He completed his master’s degree in international relations at Northeastern University with his thesis research on 'Disputes of Oil Companies in the Middle East' and specialized in commercial disputes. During this period, he took courses on 'Trade and Energy Disputes in the Middle East' at the Department of International Relations at Middle East Technical University and conducted research on the same topic. Between 2013-2018, he continued her master's and doctoral studies in the field of Dispute Analysis and Resolution at Nova Southeastern University and during this period, he received a Research Assistant Scholarship from the same university for 3.5 years and completed his master's and doctoral courses and proceeded to the doctoral thesis stage. He worked for one year on the research project "Disputes and Ombudsman in State Organs" conducted by the US Federal Government at the White House. He worked at COI Group for 6 months on mediation. He worked at Katz & Associates for 3 years as a research assistant on mediation and negotiation. He completed his Ph.D. program as an honor student with a 4.00 GPA. He completed his doctoral dissertation on 'The Effects of Negotiation Factors in the Mergers and Acquisitions Process'. After completion Ph.D. degree, he was invited as an honorary member of the Phi Kappa Phi organization, which was founded in 1897 in the USA and is selected among the best alumni and scientists and serves them. In 2018, he participated in the Harvard Negotiation Program held in Dubai. In 2017, he proposed to the Union of Chambers and Commodity Exchanges of Türkiye to establish a dispute resolution mechanism for the business world. Since 2019, he has been working as the Founding General Manager of the Union of Chambers and Commodity Exchanges of Türkiye UYUM Dispute Resolution Center.

The Issue of Necessity of National Space Legislation

Date : 27.02.2025
Time : 10 : 00

Location : Cumhuriyet Conference Hall

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Sezercan Bektaş was born in Kayseri in 1983. He graduated from Ankara University Faculty of Law in 2005. In 2009, he completed his master's degree in the Department of Private International Law with his thesis titled "Preparation of Contracts in International Trade". In 2016, he received his doctorate with his thesis titled "International Seabed Management and Seabed International Authority". In 2024, he became an associate professor in the field of public international law. Assoc. Prof. Dr. Sezercan Bektaş started his academic life in 2010 as an academic specialist at the Rectorate of Ankara University. In the same year, he worked as a Disciplinary Specialist in the Legal Counsel of the Council of Higher Education. Between 2012-2018, he worked as a lecturer at Gazi University; Since 2018, he has been working as a faculty member at Sakarya University, Faculty of Law, Department of International Law. Assoc. Prof. Dr. Sezercan Bektaş has studies in various fields of space law, maritime public law and international law. In addition, he is a lawyer, expert mediator and arbitrator.

Autonomous Artificial Intelligence Systems in Space Technologies

Date : 27.02.2025
Time : 13 : 50

Location : Cumhuriyet Conference Hall

Cemil Sağıroğlu graduated from Boğaziçi University Department of Computer Engineering in 1996. Throughout his career, he has held executive positions in various technology companies, including Tyco Electronics Raychem GmbH. He served as Head of IT Architectural Planning at Türk Telekom and as Deputy General Manager (CTO) at TÜRKSAT Uydu Haberleşme, Kablo TV ve İşletme A.Ş. From 2014 to 2021, he held the position of Director at the TÜBİTAK BİLGEM Software Technologies Research Institute. Between 2021 and 2023, he served as a Vice President at İnnova. Since December 1, 2023, Cemil Sağıroğlu has been serving as the General Manager at BİTES.