The President of Turkey, Recep Tayyip Erdogan, have unveiled the ambitious 10-year space program of his country on February 9, 2021.
Highlights
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The space programme comprises of a mission to the moon, developing internationally viable satellite systems and sending Turkish astronauts into space.
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The mission is being seen as part of President’s vision to place the Turkey in the expanded regional and global role.
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Turkey is also aiming to send the Turkish citizens into space with the international cooperation.
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The country will work with other countries to build a spaceport.
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It also seeks to create a “global brand” with respect to the satellite technology.
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Turkey had established its Turkish Space Agency in the year 2018.
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The space agency in Turkey was established with the aim to come hand in hand with the other countries with respect to space programs.
Turkey’s Moon Mission
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The President further announced, that Turkey have planned to send its first satellite to the moon in 2023 to mark the centennial of establishment of Turkish republic.
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The first stage of the moon mission will be completed with international cooperation.
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The second phase of the mission will use the Turkish rockets.
Criticism
The announcement that the President made is however being criticised because the space programme would require vast sums of money at a time when its economy is suffering. On the other hand, it is being praised because the space programme will create jobs for researchers.
Turkish Space Agency (TSA)
TSA is a government agency that does the national aerospace research in Turkey. The agency was established through the presidential decree on December 12, 2018. The agency is headquartered in Ankara. It works under the parent head of Ministry of Science and Technology of Turkey.