Academic Cooperation Between ITU and Beihang University

Istanbul Technical University and Beihang University, one of China’s leading research universities in the fields of aeronautics and space sciences, have established a comprehensive academic cooperation.

A delegation from Beihang University met with representatives of Istanbul Technical University on August 24, 2026, at the Rectorate Building on the Ayazağa Campus. During the signing ceremony held in the Senate Hall, the cooperation agreements between the two universities were signed by ITU Vice Rector Prof. İpek Akın Karadayı and Beihang University Vice President Prof. Zhao Weisheng. In addition to agreements covering broader academic cooperation and student exchange, the two institutions established the “International Joint Laboratory for Smart Small Space Systems.”

ITU rector Prof. Hasan Mandal emphasized that this cooperation brings together ITU’s long-established engineering expertise and Beihang University’s strong research capacity in aeronautics and space technologies. Prof. Mandal stated his belief that this partnership will pave the way for sustainable and innovative work between the two universities. He also noted that, at ITU, internationalization is viewed as a process that goes beyond establishing institutional ties; it is built on co-development, strengthening the mobility of knowledge and people, and jointly developing technologies.

Through the cooperation established between ITU and Beihang University, the two institutions aim to:

• Advance joint research and scientific publication activities

• Strengthen academic and student mobility

• Organize joint scientific events

• Participate together effectively in international programs

Within the “International Joint Laboratory for Smart Small Space Systems,” collaborative studies will be carried out in the following areas:

• Microsatellite design

• Structural optimization, satellite dynamics, and intelligent control

• Space micro-propulsion systems

• Advanced payload technologies

• Satellite formation and constellation systems