Turkey’s Ambitious Plans for a Spaceport in Somalia

Turkey is building a spaceport in Somalia, a key part of its space ambitions championed by President Erdogan. The Turkish Space Agency, formed in 2018, plans to develop indigenous satellites and achieve a moon landing. Alper Gezeravci, Turkey’s inaugural astronaut, returned from space inspiring a vision echoed by Ataturk, emphasizing Turkey’s commitment to pioneering in space.

Turkey is establishing a spaceport in Somalia, demonstrating significant ambition in its space endeavors. The Turkish Space Agency, inaugurated in 2018, is central to President Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s vision for a robust space program that includes the development of domestic satellites and a planned moon landing. Alper Gezeravci, Turkey’s first astronaut, represents this vision, having returned from a space mission with a strong patriotic message, invoking the words of Turkey’s founding leader, Kemal Ataturk.

The initiative to build a spaceport in Somalia is part of Turkey’s broader strategy to enhance its capabilities in space exploration and technology. This plan aligns with Turkey’s long-term goals set forth in a ten-year blueprint announced in 2021, which aims to facilitate advancements in national aerospace technology and potentially make Turkey a significant player in the global space community.

The establishment of a spaceport in Somalia exemplifies Turkey’s growing investment in space exploration under the leadership of President Erdogan. With ambitions that include launching domestic satellites and reaching the moon, the Turkish Space Agency is poised to make remarkable strides in the field, foster national pride, and perhaps reshape Turkey’s geopolitical influence through its space initiatives.

Original Source: www.economist.com