Turkish President Erdogan reveals the ambitious Space Programme
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Ankara, Feb 10: The President of Turkey, Recep Tayyip Erdogan has unveiled the ambitious ten-year space program of his country on Feb 9. The space programme comprises of a mission to the moon, developing internationally viable satellite systems and sending Turkish astronauts into space. The mission is being seen as part of Erdogan's vision to place Turkey in the expanded regional and global role.
Turkey is also aiming to send the Turkish citizens into space with international cooperation. The country will work with other countries to build a space port. The programme also seeks to create a 'global brand' with respect to the satellite technology. Turkey had established its Turkish Space Agency in the year 2018. The space agency in Turkey was established with the aim to stand in accord with other countries, with respect to space programs.
Turkish President Erdogan further announced, that Turkey has planned to send its first satellite to the moon in 2023 to mark the centennial of establishment of the Turkish republic. The first stage of the moon mission will be completed with international cooperation an the second phase of the mission will be using Turkish rockets. Erdogan said, detailing a two-phase mission that “The first rough landing will be made on the moon with our national and authentic hybrid rocket that shall be launched into orbit in the end of 2023 through international cooperation.”
The announcement that the President made is however being criticized because the space programme would require vast sums of money at a time when its economy is suffering. At the same time, it is being praised because the space programme will create jobs in the research sector. Turkey aims to reach strategic space goals in ten years. To conclude about the ambitious programme Erdogan said, “Our feet will be on earth but our eyes will be in space. Our roots will be on earth, our branches will be up in the sky.”