Türkiye's space age begins in 2026 with launch of first domestic spacecraft | Turkish spacecraft to join ranks of global spacefaring nations

Türkiye has unveiled its 10-year National Space Program, a comprehensive plan aimed at boosting its space capabilities. The program encompasses a range of projects, including a lunar exploration mission.

Türkiye's Lunar Research Program aims to make the country one of the few nations with a presence on the Moon. The first phase, known as AYAP-1, will explore the Moon from orbit and make initial contact with the lunar surface. The second phase, AYAP-2, aims to land a rover on the Moon's surface using a soft landing method.

This program is intended to increase Türkiye's international reputation for system development and challenging mission operations. It will also bolster the country's space ecosystem, strengthen interest in space science and technology among young people, and enhance its competence in space sciences through international cooperation.

The spacecraft development, integration, and testing are planned to be completed by 2026, with a launch in the same year.

The program will bring strategic capabilities to Türkiye, focusing on space observation systems, earth observation and communication satellites, small satellites for the Internet of things, launch systems, and more.