Türkiye has announced plans to invest $400 million in its space programme over the next three years, with a focus on lunar exploration, homegrown rocket technology, and the development of a spaceport in Somalia. The funding will support high-tech entrepreneurship, research and development, and the domestic production and testing of key space systems and subsystems. This investment is part of Türkiye's efforts to reduce its dependence on foreign aerospace technology and achieve independent access to orbit.
The Turkish Space Agency will receive more than 20 billion Turkish lira ($398.7 million) to accelerate its National Space Program goals. The annual allocation under the three-year financial package is expected to increase from $117.2 million in 2027 to $134.5 million in 2028 and reach $147.4 million in 2029. Of the total funds, $398.5 million will be allocated to support the nation's Space and Aviation Program, while $533,400 will be set aside for the Management and Support Program.
The funds will also support Türkiye's lunar exploration program, which aims to achieve a hard landing on the lunar surface by next year. The lunar spacecraft, developed under the leadership of the Space division of the Scientific and Technological Research Institution (TUBITAK), will conduct research in lunar orbit and descend to the lunar surface using its homegrown hybrid propulsion system. This programme is a significant step towards deep-space exploration and development of advanced technologies.
In addition to lunar exploration, the Turkish Space Agency is working to secure independent access to orbit by developing homegrown rocket technologies and establishing a spaceport in Somalia. The spaceport will enable Türkiye to launch its own satellites and serve global launch requests in the future. This development is a key component of Türkiye's space programme and will provide the country with greater autonomy in space exploration and utilization.
The Turkish Space Agency is also targeting deep-space exploration by setting up an advanced research and development centre to develop fusion technology for future propulsion systems. The facility is expected to reach 60 percent completion next year and be fully completed by 2029. This centre will play a critical role in the development of advanced technologies and will support Türkiye's long-term goals in space exploration.
Plans are underway to establish a space weather application centre to monitor and model space weather fluctuations. The centre is expected to be as much as 40 percent complete within the three-year funding period. This centre will provide critical support for Türkiye's space programme and will help to ensure the safety and success of its space missions.
The investment in Türkiye's space programme and the development of a spaceport in Somalia reflect the country's commitment to advancing its capabilities in space exploration and utilization. The programme is expected to drive innovation, create new opportunities for high-tech entrepreneurship, and support the development of advanced technologies. With a focus on independent access to orbit and deep-space exploration, Türkiye is poised to make significant contributions to the global space community.
Key points
- Türkiye allocates $400M for space programme, including lunar exploration and spaceport development in Somalia.
- The Turkish Space Agency aims to achieve a hard landing on the lunar surface by next year.
- Türkiye targets deep-space exploration with advanced research and development centre.
