Turkey plans to build its first spaceport outside its national territory as part of its ambitious National Space Programme. According to local media citing the state-run Anadolu Agency, the project aims not only to guarantee the country's technological autonomy in rocket launches, but also to offer commercial services to international clients.
The Turkish government, currently evaluating locations, is considering several countries close to the equator, given their suitability for launching satellites into low Earth orbit (LEO) and geostationary orbit (GEO). Somalia, with which Turkey has close economic and diplomatic ties, is emerging as the most likely candidate due to its geographical advantages.
The future launch complex will be built with technology and propulsion vehicles developed by Turkish engineers. Initially, it will be oriented towards the delivery of national satellites, but is expected to be opened for commercial use by the private sector in later phases.
This spaceport is part of a roadmap that envisages, until 2030, milestones such as sending the first Turkish astronaut into space, the development of new generation satellites, the creation of a regional satellite positioning system and a future lunar mission.
Source: hispanatolia.com 07/04/2025